California legislation targeting ICE agents heads to Governor's desk

Several California legislative measures aimed at regulating or restricting federal immigration enforcement are currently awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature.

The “Get the Feds Out Act” (GTFO Act), which has passed both the California Senate and Assembly, seeks to disqualify individuals engaged in immigration enforcement between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029, from public employment within the state. The bill’s findings allege that ICE agents have engaged in patterns of abuse and violence.

In addition to the employment ban, other bills introduced by Silicon Valley lawmakers target the operations of private immigration detention centers. These include Assembly Bill 1633, which would impose a 25% tax on private companies operating such facilities starting in July 2028, with proceeds intended to fund immigration services. Other proposed measures aim to prevent ICE contractors from receiving state grants or loans and would allow for legal action against the federal agency for First Amendment violations or monetary damages. Governor Newsom has until September 30 to approve or veto these pieces of legislation.