California Bill Protecting Against Workplace ICE Raids Passes Assembly

The Immigrant Worker Protection Act, which aims to prohibit California employers from allowing immigration agents to enter a workplace or view their employees’ files without a subpoena or a warrant, passed the State Assembly on Wednesday.

The bill, AB 450, now heads to the State Senate.

Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco), who co-authored the bill with State Senator Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco), said in a statement Wednesday, “In an environment of division and fear, California must continue to defend its workers, to guard its values, and to ensure that its laws protect all of our residents.”

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Employers also would be required to notify the Labor Commission and an employee representative of any worksite raid or an audit by ICE.

The bill places monetary penalties for employers who fail to follow it.

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SEIU California and the California Labor Federation are among the bill’s sponsors.

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