Clovis Police Warn Adults at Student ICE Protests May Face Charges

Experts argue surveillance and potential charges could have a 'chilling effect' on free speech.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

California police in Clovis and Sanger have warned that adults who participated in recent student protests against ICE could face misdemeanor charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Experts argue the surveillance and potential charges are concerning and could have a 'chilling effect' on free speech.

Why it matters

The use of surveillance cameras and the threat of charges against adults at peaceful protests raises questions about the balance between public safety and the right to free speech and assembly, especially when it involves minors participating in political demonstrations.

The details

Clovis and Sanger police said they used surveillance cameras, including a 'Camera on Wheels' vehicle, to monitor the recent student-led protests against ICE. They warned that adults who encouraged or assisted minors in leaving school during instructional hours could face misdemeanor charges under California's 'contributing to the delinquency of a minor' law. Legal experts argue this is an uncommon application of the law and could have a 'chilling effect' on free speech.

  • Over the past week, high school students in Clovis, Fresno, and other nearby cities held anti-ICE protests, marching off-campus, holding signs, and chanting during school hours.
  • On Wednesday, Clovis police and the Clovis Unified School District announced they would seek charges against adults suspected of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
  • On Thursday, Sanger police made a similar declaration about potential charges against adults.

The players

Saira Hussain

Senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit focused on free speech and digital privacy.

David Mugridge

Veteran defense attorney with nearly 40 years of experience practicing law.

Roger Bonakdar

Trial attorney with two decades of experience.

Clovis Police Department

Law enforcement agency in Clovis, California that used surveillance cameras to monitor student protests.

Sanger Police Department

Law enforcement agency in Sanger, California that also warned about potential charges against adults at student protests.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it's absolutely ridiculous”

— Saira Hussain, Senior staff attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation (The Fresno Bee)

“If people know that law enforcement is trying to obtain video footage of protected First Amendment activity like a protest in order to identify people and then charge them criminally, of course, that's going to have a chilling effect. That is exactly what the First Amendment seeks to protect against.”

— Saira Hussain, Senior staff attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation (The Fresno Bee)

“They're probably very well-intentioned. Even very well-intentioned people need to follow the law.”

— David Mugridge, Veteran defense attorney (The Fresno Bee)

What’s next

The Fresno County District Attorney's Office had not received any cases related to adults at the protests as of Thursday, according to a spokesperson. The judge will decide whether to allow any adults charged to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between protecting free speech and assembly rights, and enforcing laws around school attendance and contributing to the delinquency of minors. The use of extensive surveillance by police raises concerns about the 'mission creep' of technology and its potential chilling effect on political protest.