California bill banning police from ICE side jobs reaches Governor

California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s bill, AB 1537, has passed the state Legislature and is now awaiting a decision from Governor Gavin Newsom. The legislation seeks to prohibit state and local peace officers from accepting secondary employment that involves arresting, detaining, transporting, or deporting individuals under federal or out-of-state immigration laws.

The bill specifically targets side jobs with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and law enforcement agencies in states with anti-immigration legislation. It also requires officers to report any offers for such secondary employment to their primary employing agencies. Failure to comply could result in officers facing decertification.

Advocates and civil rights organizations held a rally at Los Angeles City Hall to support the measure, arguing it is necessary to maintain clear boundaries between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The bill includes amendments clarifying that these restrictions do not apply to service in the U.S. armed forces or the Coast Guard Reserve. Governor Newsom has until September 30 to approve or veto the legislation.