Measure clarifies that arrests within 1,000 feet of a courthouse require a judicial warrant and mandates clear identification by ICE agents
Sacramento, CA — Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D–Colton), today announced amendments to SB 873 – Kick ICE Out of Courts – to further clarify expectations for federal immigration enforcement activity on and around courthouse grounds.
The amended bill requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to present a valid judicial warrant and clearly identify themselves before making an arrest within 1,000 feet of a California courthouse. The measure also reinforces protections for individuals traveling to, attending, or leaving court proceedings for lawful purposes.
SB 873 aims to protect access to the courts by preventing indiscriminate civil arrests that disrupt scheduled appearances and deter participation in the judicial process. Recent enforcement activity has contributed to a growing climate of fear, discouraging individuals—including victims, witnesses, and families—from appearing in court and undermining the integrity of the justice system.
“Let me be clear—flagrant disregard for rights protected by constitutional law will not be tolerated in California,” said Senator Reyes. “California fully intends to protect the right of our residents to participate in judicial proceedings. Indiscriminate arrests in and around California courts by unidentified federal agents without proper warrants are unreasonable, unjust, and unlawful. This bill makes protections explicit, and I look forward to discussing this issue with my colleagues and impacted communities.”
“When ICE agents stalk our courthouses, it effectively bars access to the court. A democracy where one can be arrested merely for going to court is no democracy at all,” said Kate Chatfield, Executive Director of the California Public Defenders Association, co-sponsors of this bill. “SB 873 closes a dangerous loophole that ICE has been exploiting and makes clear that California’s courthouses must remain accessible to everyone. This is not just an issue for immigrants. It’s an issue for all Californians. It’s an issue for democracy. We thank Senator Reyes for working to protect the rule of law in California — for everybody.”
“When people are pushed out of the justice system, inequality deepens,” said Tina Rosales-Torres, Policy Advocate for Western Center on Law & Poverty. “SB 873 helps ensure that low-income and immigrant communities can access the courts. Justice only works if people can safely access it, and should never depend on who feels safe enough to show up.”
Amagda Pérez, Executive Director of the CRLA Foundation stated: “California Senate Bill 873 represents a meaningful step forward to ensure that California immigrants are protected from heightened risks that they face when accessing their right to participate in judicial proceedings. This bill protects our clients’ safety from unlawful targeting and the integrity of California’s justice system. At a time when so many in our communities feel vulnerable, SB 873 affirms that California is committed to fairness, dignity, and equal protection under the law for all.”
SB 873 was amended on March 25 and will be assigned to a policy committee for analysis and hearings in the coming weeks. To learn more about Reyes, visit https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/.