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Assembly condemns mass immigration raids in SJR 9 after heated floor debate
Summary
The Assembly passed SJR 9, which denounces recent mass immigration raids and the militarized federal response. Debate was polarized, with members offering personal accounts of raids and others calling for a lower‑temperature, law‑and‑order approach; the resolution passed 56‑9.
The Assembly on Aug. 20 approved Senate Joint Resolution 9, authored in the Senate by Senator Durazo and presented by Assemblymember Mark Gonzales, strongly condemning mass immigration raids and what proponents described as a militarized federal response in parts of California.
Mark Gonzales introduced the resolution describing raids that "rip neighbors from car washes" and called for expanded pathways to citizenship and protections for civil liberties. He said the raids "rip away dignity" and urged the Legislature to condemn the federal tactics.
Floor debate was long and fractious. Supporters recounted local incidents, cited recent federal court rulings limiting certain deployments and warned of economic harm and community trauma. Opponents, including Assemblymember DeMaio, described the measures as fearmongering and argued for enforcement and border security, saying Californians want orderly immigration policy.
Several members cited reports and studies during debate — including disputed economic estimates and claims about the scope of detentions and deportations. Multiple members pressed for fact‑based discussion; others urged decorum and warned against ad hominem remarks.
After extended debate the clerk reported the tally: 'Ayes 56, noes 9' and the resolution was adopted and transmitted to the Senate. The resolution is declaratory; it condemns the federal actions and reaffirms commitments to civil liberties but does not change state criminal statutes or create enforcement mechanisms.
