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Senate adopts SJR 9 denouncing recent immigration raids and federal deployments
Summary
The California State Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 9, condemning recent federal immigration raids and related federal deployments in the state. The measure passed after extended debate and votes to table two sets of amendments; the final roll call showed 29 ayes and 6 noes. Debate covered constitutional due process, SB 54, public safety,
The California State Senate on July 3, 2025, adopted Senate Joint Resolution 9, a nonbinding measure denouncing recent federal immigration enforcement raids and federal deployments in California. Senator María Elena Durazo introduced SJR 9 and urged colleagues to condemn what she described as militarized, warrantless enforcement actions in communities across the state.
Supporters said the raids have involved masked agents, unmarked vehicles and the deployment of federal troops and National Guard units against the expressed objections of state and local officials. Senator Durazo said the actions have terrorized families; several senators told personal stories of constituents and neighbors who were detained or whose families were left without caregivers. Senator Alex Padilla characterized the federal tactics as inconsistent with due process and historical American values and urged an aye vote.
The resolution drew sustained debate and two amendment efforts. Senator Pat Strickland offered amendments to substitute language supporting a different, bipartisan U.S. House resolution (H.R. 516) that praised local and federal law enforcement and the National Guard; those amendments were laid on the table after a roll call. Senator Valadares offered a second set of amendments that framed enforcement in the context of state policies (including criticism of SB 54) and called for cooperation with federal law enforcement under particular conditions; those amendments also were laid on the table after roll call votes.
Senators in favor of SJR 9 emphasized due process concerns and the human impact of the raids. Senator Connie Umberg and others described instances in which U.S. citizens and long-term residents were detained or frightened; Senator Susan Weiner and members of legislative caucuses invoked historical analogies and warned against government actions that single out groups. Supporters frequently referenced statistics discussed during debate: speakers said that over 60% of those detained had no prior convictions and that many had been in California for decades.
Opponents said the resolution overlooked federal responsibilities and state law issues. Senator Young Choi and Senator Peter Jones argued that California's policies, particularly SB 54, limited state cooperation with federal authorities and contributed to the enforcement environment; they urged legislative attention to creating workable immigration reforms rather than symbolic resolutions.
After extended floor discussion, the Senate voted to adopt SJR 9. The secretary announced the final roll call as 29 ayes and 6 noes; the resolution was adopted. During debate senators also called on federal authorities to fulfill detainers for incarcerated individuals with violent convictions, and others warned of large economic impacts if mass deportations of long-term residents were to proceed.
SJR 9 is a nonbinding statement of the State Senate's position; it does not change state or federal law. The resolution records the chamber's denunciation of the recent enforcement tactics and federal deployments and urges federal compliance with constitutional protections and respect for due process.
