CALIFORNIA – The California Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 9 (SJR 9), July 3, expressing opposition to recent federal immigration enforcement actions in the state.
The resolution now heads to the Assembly for consideration.
At a press conference, Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) said ICE agents in her district allegedly stopped a U.S. citizen without a warrant, used tear gas, and pulled him from his car with his family inside.
The measure affirms support for protecting all Californians, regardless of immigration status. It calls for expanded legal and emergency resources for those affected by immigration enforcement.
‘Strategy is clear cut racial profiling’
Although resolutions don’t carry the force of law or go to the governor, they express the views of the legislature and can potentially influence public policy and federal action.
The resolution follows a series of large-scale federal immigration operations across California since early June. Agents conducted enforcement actions involving families, workers, and some U.S. citizens.
“They are targeting Latinos more than anyone. If you look foreign born, the agents go after you. This strategy is clear cut racial profiling,” Durazo stated during the press conference.
Despite concerns raised by recent enforcement actions, communities across California have shown widespread support for one another.
In Los Angeles, grassroots groups launched a fund to help families with essentials, while a Cal State LA student led 500 volunteers to distribute groceries.
Durazo also highlighted two military brothers who escorted their mother to immigration court in uniform for protection.
Resolution condemns mass immigration raids
The resolution condemns mass immigration raids, rejects criminalizing protest, and affirms protections for all residents.
CHIRLA director of policy and advocacy Jeannette Zanipatin said, “We will not stand by and allow this abuse of power from taking place, nor will we condone the unlawful and unconstitutional acts taken on the ground over the last twenty-eight days.”
Although most Republicans opposed the resolution, some abstained.
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