Senate Bill 841 — Keep Safe Spaces Safe Act

Protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and homelessness by prohibiting immigration enforcement from conducting arrests, interviews, or surveillance in non‑public areas of shelters and crisis centers without a judicial warrant.

Description

Senate Bill 841 (SB 841) ensures immigrant survivors can walk into shelters and crisis centers without fear that immigration enforcement will be waiting inside.

The bill is straightforward: if enforcement needs to enter the private areas of a shelter, they should do what’s already required anywhere else - bring a warrant. That’s the standard for entering a home, a workplace, or any protected space. Shelters should be no different.

SB 841 doesn’t ban enforcement. It doesn’t change federal immigration law. It simply says: do it right. A valid judicial warrant, proper identification, and a written statement of purpose are required before entering areas where survivors are trying to feel safe, often for the first time in years.

In January 2025, the federal government rescinded its longstanding “sensitive locations” policy, which had discouraged immigration enforcement actions in places like schools, hospitals, and crisis centers. The change has created fear among immigrant survivors that seeking shelter could put them at risk of detention or deportation.

Abusers have exploited this fear by using threats of immigration raids to control their victims. Many survivors are now avoiding police, court, and shelter services out of fear. According to a June 2025 survey, 76% of advocates report immigrant survivors are afraid to report abuse, and 50% say survivors have dropped cases because of deportation concerns.

SB 841 keeps trust and confidence in California’s network of safe spaces by making the standard clear and consistent: if you need access, follow the rules.

What SB 841 Does

• Keeps safe spaces safe by prohibiting immigration enforcement in the non‑public areas of:
  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Family justice centers
  • Rape crisis centers
  • Human trafficking service providers
  • Homeless shelters
• Requires a judicial warrant for immigration enforcement in non‑public areas of these facilities, along with:
  • Federal identification
  • A written statement of purpose
• Applies to non‑public areas, preserving normal facility operations.
• Preserves emergency access for local or state law enforcement to respond to threats, protect safety, or investigate crimes.

What SB 841 Does Not Do

• It does NOT ban enforcement. Immigration officers can still enter if they meet the legal requirements.
• It does NOT change federal immigration law. SB 841 works within existing federal frameworks.
• It does NOT grant immigration status or legal benefits. Its sole focus is on keeping access to safety intact.
• It does NOT limit law enforcement in public areas of shelters or service facilities.
• It simply says: Do it right. The same rules apply here as they do anywhere else. If you have a warrant, you can enter.

Why SB 841 Is Needed

• Federal protections were rolled back. DHS rescinded its “sensitive locations” policy in January 2025, ending a decade‑long practice of discouraging enforcement at shelters, crisis centers, and other safe spaces.
• Immigration status is being weaponized. Abusers increasingly threaten deportation or to "call ICE" to keep survivors silent and under control.
• Survivors are staying away. Advocacy groups report fewer immigrant survivors are coming forward for shelter or legal help due to fear of enforcement near safe spaces.

Support for SB 841

Backed by a broad coalition of survivor advocacy organizations, immigrant rights groups, legal service providers, and community safety advocates, including the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, CHIRLA, ValorUS, Tahirih Justice Center, and the Alliance for Immigrant Survivors.