California Lawmakers Demand Stronger Protections for Immigrant Communities

CHIRLA advocates rally in Sacramento to urge legislative action against federal immigration raids and detention abuses

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, abstract painting in overlapping waves of bright red, orange, and blue, conveying the passionate energy of a political protest march.Immigrant rights advocates rally in Sacramento to demand stronger state protections against federal immigration enforcement actions.Altadena Today

As immigrant communities continue to face threats from federal immigration raids, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA) brought 150 advocates to the state capitol to demand that California legislators strengthen legislative protections for immigrant residents. CHIRLA presented a package of pro-immigrant bills to lawmakers, including measures to safeguard schools and hospitals, provide eviction relief, and restore Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented workers.

Why it matters

Immigrant communities in California have faced increasing pressure from federal immigration enforcement, including high-profile raids that have disrupted families and local economies. CHIRLA's advocacy day aims to build legislative firewalls against these federal actions and ensure that the state continues to be a safe haven for immigrant residents.

The details

At the 'Immigrants Thriving Advocacy Day' event, CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas and other community leaders urged state lawmakers to support a series of bills that would protect immigrant rights and access to services. Key proposals include SB 1243 to provide eviction relief for immigrant renters impacted by raids, SB 1422 to restore Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented workers, and SB 995 (the Masuma Khan Justice Act) to increase oversight and accountability for private immigration detention facilities.

  • The advocacy event took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • SB 1243 and SB 1422 are currently pending in the California State Senate.
  • SB 995 (the Masuma Khan Justice Act) was introduced in the current legislative session.

The players

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA)

A non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of immigrant communities in California.

Angelica Salas

Executive Director of CHIRLA.

Maria Elena Durazo

California State Senator.

Sabrina Cervantes

Chair of the California State Senate Appropriations Committee.

Sasha Renée Pérez

California State Senator.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You came to remind our leaders that California's strength has always come from its people, from farm workers and caregivers, from students, small business owners [and] families. We give so much to the state every single day. This moment is about making sure California continues to honor those contributions, to protect our communities and to build a future where all of us, no matter where we come from, can thrive.”

— Angelica Salas, Executive Director, CHIRLA

“They keep California's industry functioning and they pay billions in taxes, but they pay into the system, and now they're being told the system will not cover them when they are sick. That is not fiscal responsibility. It's extracting labor and refusing the dignity of basic care when people lose preventative care access. … Restoring medical access is not a choice between responsibility and compassion. It is a recognition that coverage is both humane and economically rational.”

— Maria Elena Durazo, California State Senator

“It will make it a crime for individual officers, including federal officers, to be deployed there at all. I am proud to work with you to continue to safeguard our elections and ensure that California keeps the right to choose its government at the ballot box, no matter how hard Donald Trump tries to take that away from us. We are ready to fight, and we are ready to win.”

— Sabrina Cervantes, Chair, California State Senate Appropriations Committee

“We know that these for-profit Wall Street prisons are abusing and committing human rights violations on a regular basis. We have seen our immigrant communities die in these detention centers and these for-profit companies … need to be held accountable. … This should not be how our people are treated.”

— Sasha Renée Pérez, California State Senator

What’s next

The California State Legislature will continue to debate and vote on the package of pro-immigrant bills presented by CHIRLA in the coming months.

The takeaway

This advocacy day highlights California's ongoing efforts to protect its immigrant communities from federal immigration enforcement actions, even as the state faces pressure from the Trump administration. The proposed legislative measures aim to provide a stronger safety net and safeguards for immigrant residents who are vital contributors to the state's economy and social fabric.