California Bill Aims to Block ICE Agents from Becoming Teachers or Police

Proposed legislation would disqualify anyone who worked for ICE under Trump from state education and law enforcement roles.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:07am

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A California lawmaker has introduced a bill that would prevent anyone who worked for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration from becoming a teacher or police officer in the state. The bill, known as AB 1627, is part of a broader effort by California legislators to combat the tactics of federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation reflects growing concerns among California lawmakers and residents about the actions of ICE and other federal immigration agencies, particularly during the Trump presidency. By barring former ICE agents from state education and law enforcement roles, the bill aims to limit the influence of those who carried out controversial immigration enforcement policies.

The details

AB 1627 was introduced by Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farias, a Democrat from Martinez. The bill would disqualify anyone currently working for ICE from ever serving as a law enforcement officer for any state or local police agency in California. It would also prohibit current ICE employees from future roles in education in the state, including as educators or administrators, across all public school districts and charter schools.

  • AB 1627 was introduced this week in the California State Assembly.
  • The bill could be heard in committee as early as February 26, 2026.

The players

Anamarie Ávila Farias

A Democratic Assemblymember from Martinez who introduced AB 1627.

Eric Swalwell

A U.S. Representative from California's 15th congressional district who has proposed restricting ICE agents from all state jobs and taking away their driver's licenses if he is elected California governor.

Scott Wiener

A California State Senator who has proposed a bill to create an easier pathway to sue federal agents accused of breaking Californians' constitutional rights.

Alex Lee

A California Assemblymember who announced plans to introduce legislation that would end state tax breaks for companies with ICE contracts.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

AB 1627 must be approved by both houses of the California Legislature and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to become law.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation reflects California's ongoing efforts to limit the influence of federal immigration enforcement agencies, particularly in the wake of controversial policies and tactics employed during the Trump administration. The bill aims to prevent former ICE agents from taking on roles in state education and law enforcement, underscoring the state's commitment to protecting its residents from the overreach of federal immigration authorities.