Sacramento, CA — By the end of this month, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom will decide whether to sign or veto AB 1537, the “No Side Jobs for ICE Act,” sponsored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-55).
If enacted into law, the bill would prohibit certain California police officers and sheriffs from taking second jobs that involve arresting, detaining, transporting, or deporting people under federal or out-of-state immigration laws. It would also make related employment records public.
Approximately 14,700 Southeast Asian Americans across the country are living under final orders of removal. Three-quarters of these deportation orders are a result of previous contact with the criminal legal system, due to displacement, youth, and poverty.
ICE’s lawless tactics have terrorized SEAA families and immigrants nationwide. California must ensure that local officers, who are being paid from local tax dollars, are not secretly participating in this abuse against our communities. Join SEARAC in demanding accountability and transparency and urging Gov. Newsom to sign AB 1537.
Here’s how you can make your voice heard
1.) Sign our petition.
2.) Call the Governor’s office at (916) 445-2841.
3.) Submit a comment through the Governor’s website.
- Topic: select “An Active Bill” from the dropdown
- What specific bill? Select “AB 1537”
- What is the purpose…?” Select “Leave a comment.”
- If applicable, what is your stance…? Select “Pro”
- Message: You may use the script/template below.
- Select “Next,” fill out contact info on the next page.
Sample call / comment script: “Hi, my name is [insert name] with [include organization, congregation or affiliation if any] from [city or county you reside], and I am [calling/writing] to respectfully urge Governor Newsom to sign AB1537 by Assembly Member Bryan. The bill would prohibit local police and sheriffs in California from taking a second job or “moonlighting” as deportation agents. Nothing in California law prevents police or sheriffs from taking a “side job” with ICE. AB 1537 closes this loophole. We need accountability and transparency. Thank you.
