Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehend an undocumented migrant they were surveilling in Herndon, Va., Jan. 15, 2025.
Sacramento, California – California lawmakers are advancing legislation that would significantly restrict federal immigration authorities’ access to public school campuses and students without a valid court order.
Senate Bill 48, introduced by state Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), would prohibit school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and their staff from allowing immigration agents to enter school property, question students, or conduct searches unless the agents present a judicial warrant or court order.
The bill passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday with a 6-1 vote and will now move to the full state Senate, where it will require a two-thirds majority to advance to the Assembly.
“The U.S. Supreme Court has long-established that the Constitution guarantees a right to education regardless of immigration status, and until recently, the federal government had treated these sensitive spaces as safe zones,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “Immigration actions near schools have a chilling effect on school attendance, increased learning loss and harms student mental health.”
Currently, California schools are already barred from collecting or sharing information about a student’s immigration status or that of their families. Additionally, student records cannot be disclosed without proper consent or a legal order.
If SB 48 becomes law, it would further protect students from potential immigration enforcement while on school grounds, reinforcing California’s broader stance as a sanctuary state that limits cooperation with federal immigration efforts.
Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to preserve trust between schools and immigrant families, ensuring students feel safe attending class. Critics have voiced concerns about limiting federal authorities’ ability to carry out lawful enforcement.
The legislation now awaits a full vote in the state Senate. If approved, it will proceed to the Assembly before potentially reaching the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom.
