State Assembly passes accountability bills for immigration enforcement

Democrats in the California State Assembly passed two bills geared toward holding immigration enforcement officials in the state accountable. 

During the Assembly floor session Tuesday, legislators voted to pass SB 805, the “No Vigilantes Act,” and SB 627. Together, the bills require agents operating in California to identify themselves and make it illegal for federal officers to wear masks or face-coverings during operations.

“Donald Trump’s secret police are terrorizing hardworking Californians — but Democrats are fighting back to keep our communities safe from Trump’s heartless and illegal ICE raids,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) in a news release, adding “Secret police are un-American. This bill makes it clear: Show some ID, masks off. We will fight as long as it takes to protect California.”

Both bills are now moving to final votes in the Senate, which has until Friday to approve them. If they are passed by then, SB 627 and SB 805 will head to Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign or veto. Many bills are currently making the rounds in the state legislature before the current session ends this week. 

SB 805 is aimed at expanding transparency and accountability by requiring non-uniformed officers to display identification including their agency and either their name or badge number. The bill would go into effect immediately after it is signed by Newsom. SB 805 would require law enforcement agencies to create and post a policy regarding the identification of its officers. Violations of the bill would result in a misdemeanor. 

 The “No Vigilantes Act” also prohibits bounty hunters to carry out immigration enforcement operations personally, or disclose information of bail fugitives to immigration enforcement officers without a valid judicial warrant. SB 805 is a Latino Legislative Caucus priority bill.

"As Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, I am proud to support these bills, which are a victory for transparency and public trust,” said Assembly Member Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) adding, “Californians deserve to know that law enforcement officers act openly, not in secret, and these bills ensure accountability while keeping communities safe."

Also known as the “No Secret Police Act,” SB 627 bans law enforcement officers from using face covering to mask their identities during operations. Any law enforcement agency operating in California would be required to create a written policy limiting the use of facial coverings by July 1, 2026. Violations of the provisions in this bill would also result in a misdemeanor. 

The two bills come after months of immigration enforcement raids throughout California, mostly carried out by unidentified agents. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing agents to temporarily detain people based on their appearance broadens the power of these agencies.

"Masked agents shouldn’t be able to disappear people,” said Latino Caucus Vice-Chair and Assembly Member Liz Ortega (D-East Bay), adding “If you are supposedly serving the people, we have a right to know who you are. These bills ensure ICE agents have the same accountability of any other public servant.”