California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued updated guidance and model policies for public institutions to protect immigrant rights in the state. This move comes in response to anticipated actions by the incoming Trump administration, which include threats of mass arrests, detention, and deportations.
The guidance aims to help public institutions such as schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, courthouses, shelters, and labor agencies comply with California laws that limit state and local participation in immigration enforcement activities. Originally issued in 2018, these guidelines are designed to assist staff in creating plans that ensure immigrants and their families can safely access these services without fear of enforcement actions.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of maintaining safe spaces for immigrants: "No matter who is in the White House, in California, we will continue to lead with California values. California is the most diverse state in the nation, and immigrants are the backbone of our economy, history, and culture." He added that his office would continue using all available legal tools to protect immigrant rights.
The updated guidance applies specifically to courthouses, healthcare facilities, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, labor agencies, public libraries, and shelters. State courthouses, public healthcare facilities, and public schools are required to adopt these model policies or equivalent ones; other facilities are encouraged but not mandated to do so.
Each model policy was developed with input from various stakeholders and outlines federal and state protections for individuals accessing public institutions. The policies provide recommendations compliant with federal and state laws that aim to mitigate disruptions from immigration enforcement actions.
Key aspects of the model policies include prohibiting unauthorized collection or disclosure of information regarding citizenship or immigration status; notifying individuals about privacy rights; designating specific personnel to handle immigration-related requests; identifying nonpublic areas within institutions; documenting all requests related to immigration enforcement; and training staff on procedures for handling such requests.
Public institutions are advised to treat all law enforcement agencies enforcing immigration law equally. Under Senate Bill 54 (Statutes of 2017), also known as the "California Values Act," state and local law enforcement agencies are prohibited from assisting with immigration enforcement except under limited circumstances.
The California Department of Justice’s Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) will hold a community briefing on January 10th on immigrant rights resources. Registration for this event is available online.