Senator Rubio’s PROTECT Act Passes California Assembly, Prohibiting ICE Agents from Deceiving Immigrant Communities

SACRAMENTO, CA – With a unanimous, bipartisan vote, the California State Assembly passed SB 852 – the PROTECT Act by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park). SB 852 the Prohibiting Rogue Officers Tricks and Ensuring Community Trust (PROTECT) Act would improve the public’s trust in law enforcement by prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from falsely identifying themselves as probation officers or peace officers.

“California’s highly trained law enforcement professionals do so much to create and improve the trust with their local communities to ensure public safety,” said Senator Susan Rubio. “A trust that is jeopardized when ICE agents impersonate probation officers to coerce people into cooperating with them. SB 852 will protect the trust our communities have in law enforcement by specifying that probation searches and mandatory supervisions can only be done by probation officers. Putting a stop to ICE agents falsely identifying themselves as probation officers and deceiving our immigrant communities. As a victim’s advocate and formerly undocumented child myself, I want every community member to feel safe coming forward to law enforcement if they find themselves in harm’s way or witness criminal activity.”

“Too many community members have been subjected to the deception of ICE probation ruses. These stunts violate the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures and naturally create feelings of anger, betrayal, and distrust,” said Cynthia Valencia, Legislative Advocate at ACLU California Action. “SB 852 will prohibit ICE from relying on these imposter tactics, including when conducting enforcement operations in our homes, thus making our communities safer.”

In a state where community trust and constitutional rights are paramount, the unanimous passage of SB 852 is a milestone in the quest for justice and accountability. The bill is now on its way to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for final approval, marking a significant step toward a more equitable and transparent California.

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Senator Susan Rubio represents Senate District 22. For more information, visit https://sd22.senate.ca.gov/