In a bold move, a Democratic legislator from California is targeting individuals aspiring to work in key public service roles by proposing a restriction on those currently serving as ICE agents. This initiative is fueled by concerns over “immorality” within the agency’s operations.
Assembly Bill 1627, introduced by Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farias, seeks to prevent individuals who are currently part of ICE under the Trump administration from pursuing employment at state or local police agencies across California. This measure underscores a growing disapproval of ICE’s practices in recent years.
Moreover, the proposed legislation aims to extend its reach to the educational sector, barring present ICE agents from occupying positions as teachers or administrators. The ban would apply to all public school districts, charter schools, and extend through the California State University system.
This legislative proposal emerged shortly after the tragic incident in Minneapolis where federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, sparking a wave of protests. In response, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in San Francisco on January 23, 2026, voicing their opposition against nationwide ICE actions.
The bill articulates concerns that since 2025, ICE officers have allegedly instilled fear among California residents, irrespective of their citizenship status, through indiscriminate arrests and acts of brutality. These actions were reportedly based on superficial factors like racial appearance and language, as well as the targets’ livelihoods and expression of First Amendment rights.
“Beginning in 2025, [ICE] officers have terrorized California residents, United States citizens and noncitizens alike, through untargeted arrests and brutality based on nothing more than a person’s racial appearance, language spoken, means of earning a living, or exercise of First Amendment-protected expression,” the bill states.
The bill goes on to pinpoint ICE agents who took up their positions after President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
“Participating in the operations of [ICE] on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officers, teachers, and other public employees whose duties include interacting with the public.”
Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement officers investigate a shooting involving a federal agent on Wednesday morning in Willowbrook, California on January 21, 2026. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Farias did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The move comes as police departments within the state are continuing to grapple with staffing shortages, according to data compiled by the Peace Officers Research Association of California.
The 2025 report states that law enforcement agencies throughout California have lost over 3,300 sworn officers and 400 civilian staff since 2020, with an average of 10% of policing roles remaining unfilled in the state.
Residents and registered nurses from Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center hold a vigil for Alex Pretti, a registered nurse who was fatally shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis on January 28, 2026 in San Pedro, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
In addition to AB 1627, several other California lawmakers have proposed anti-ICE legislation amid heightened nationwide tension following increased deportation efforts throughout the country.
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Castro Valley, has said he would aim to restrict ICE agents from holding any state job if elected California governor, while also adding he would confiscate the driver’s licenses of federal agents in the state who wear facial coverings while on duty, according to FOX 2.
Similarly, State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, proposed a bill that would make it easier for California residents to sue federal agents accused of breaking their constitutional rights.
State Assemblyman Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, has also reportedly publicly pushed for a bill that would tax private ICE detention centers within the state as a way to discourage companies from building new facilities.
Earlier this week, State Assembly Member Alex Lee, D-San Jose, announced he is planning to introduce upcoming legislation that would effectively end state tax breaks for companies that have contractual agreements with ICE, FOX 2 reported.
Several counties throughout the Bay Area have also reportedly made efforts to create ICE-free zones within the state.
AB 1627 is set to be heard in committee as soon as Feb. 26 before needing approval from both Legislature houses and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s sign-off to become law.
