California Proposes Bill to Keep ICE Away from Schools

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is sponsoring Senate Bill 48 (SB 48), legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-33) on December 16, to create safe zones around California schools and protect students and families from immigration enforcement.

The bill establishes a one-mile safe zone around schools, barring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and federal immigration authorities from conducting enforcement activities without a judicial warrant. It also prohibits the sharing of student, family, or employee data with ICE, ensuring schools remain secure spaces for education.

“SB 48 pushes back against threats of deportation that suppress school attendance and rob schools of revenue,” said Superintendent Thurmond.

Senator Gonzalez highlighted the importance of protecting learning environments. “This bill will prevent disruptions to education, keep kids in school, and stop families from being torn apart,” she said.

With 93% of children with undocumented parents being U.S. citizens, the legislation reflects California’s commitment to inclusion and equity, aiming to maintain schools as safe spaces where all families feel welcome. SB 48 aligns with broader efforts to safeguard immigrant communities and address absenteeism caused by immigration fears.