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Assembly passes bill to designate public schools as safe havens from immigration enforcement
Summary
The California State Assembly passed AB 49, an urgency bill that aims to bar immigration enforcement activities in public K–12 schools and to strengthen legal protections and resources for immigrant students. The measure passed 59–9 after a contentious floor debate.
The California State Assembly on Wednesday passed AB 49, an urgency bill by Assemblymember Muratsuchi that seeks to designate public K–12 schools as safe havens from immigration enforcement and to limit immigration agents' access to campuses without appropriate legal process. The bill passed on a roll call vote of Ayes 59, Noes 9.
Supporters said the bill responds to recent federal changes and local incidents that left students and families fearful. "We have to do everything we can to make sure that schools are safe learning places for all kids," Assemblymember Muratsuchi said, describing the bill as an effort to keep immigration enforcement out of schools and to protect students and staff.
Backers included Assemblymembers Carrillo, Ortega and El Hawari, who described specific incidents in Los Angeles schools. "Immigration officials came to Lillian Street and Russell Elementary Schools ... they lied and said that they had spoken to the family and given permission," Assemblymember El Hawari said, arguing the actions were not wellness checks. Assemblymember Carrillo, a principal sponsor, said the bill protects immigrants and helps ensure access to education.
Opponents argued the bill could put school employees in conflict with federal law and expose districts to legal and funding risk. "This bill ... commands and directs government staff at the local level to disobey a duly issued federal warrant," Assemblymember DeMayo said on the floor, adding he had not seen evidence of raids in schools and warned of civil or criminal liabilities and threats to federal funding.
The text read on the floor instructs that the bill is an urgency measure to take effect immediately; the clerk recorded the vote as Ayes 59, Noes 9. The Assembly also opened the first roll for coauthors before final passage; supporters said the California State PTA and a range of education organizations backed the measure.
Discussion and next steps: Because AB 49 carried an urgency clause, it takes effect immediately upon signature. Supporters said it would codify guidance, training and resource allocations for schools to handle encounters with federal immigration agents; opponents urged caution and flagged potential legal challenges. The Assembly did not specify implementing regulations on the floor; those details would be addressed in guidance and through district-level policy implementation if the bill becomes law.
Votes at a glance: AB 49 (Muratsuchi) — Ayes 59, Noes 9; outcome: approved. The clerk announced the tally on the floor following the roll call.
The Assembly moved to the next calendar items after the vote. No court decisions or state statutes were cited on the floor as authorizing or forbidding the local actions addressed in AB 49; speakers referenced a federal change in policy described as a 2025 administration memo.
