California Bill Aims to Allow Remote Court Appearances to Avoid ICE Encounters

The proposed legislation would extend remote court access through 2029 to encourage participation in the justice system.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A California state senator has introduced a bill that would allow for remote court appearances through the end of 2029, a move aimed at preventing people from encountering federal immigration enforcement agents at courthouses. The bill, called the Keep Courts Safe from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Act, is intended to encourage people to participate in the justice system without fear of detention.

Why it matters

The bill is part of a broader effort by California lawmakers to limit federal immigration enforcement actions in the state, including previous legislation that prohibited civil arrests at courthouses. Advocates say the remote court access could help ensure access to justice and prevent deterring witnesses and victims from coming forward.

The details

Senate Bill 882, introduced by California State Senator Susan Rubio, would allow any party or witness to attend civil or criminal state court hearings, trials, or conferences remotely through California's Superior Courts. The bill is intended to sunset at the end of January 2029.

  • The bill was introduced in 2026.
  • If passed, the bill would be in effect through January 2029.

The players

Susan Rubio

A California state senator representing the 22nd Senate District, which covers parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

Patricia Guerrero

The Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, who has expressed concern about federal immigration enforcement actions at courthouses and their potential chilling effect on access to justice.

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What they’re saying

“What we're seeing right now is that the federal government is asking families to show up. And as Californians, we have our own court system. We ask them to show up, do the right thing. And when they're following that due process — the procedures that we put in place — they're being abducted outside courthouses.”

— Susan Rubio, California State Senator (USA TODAY)

“Making courthouses a focus of immigration enforcement hinders, rather than helps, the administration of justice by deterring witnesses and victims from coming forward and discouraging individuals from asserting their rights.”

— Patricia Guerrero, California Chief Justice (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The California State Senate will consider the bill, and if passed, it would need to be signed into law by the governor to take effect.

The takeaway

This bill is part of California's ongoing efforts to protect immigrant communities and ensure access to the justice system, even in the face of increased federal immigration enforcement actions. By allowing remote court appearances, the state aims to encourage participation without fear of detention or deportation.