Senator Gómez Reyes Statement on AG Bonta Lawsuit Challenging ICE Courthouse Arrests
Senator Gómez Reyes Statement on AG Bonta Lawsuit Challenging ICE Courthouse Arrests
Sacramento, CA — Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes today issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Rob Bonta’s lawsuit challenging ICE’s civil immigration arrests in and around California courthouses. The complaint cites Senate Bill 873, authored by Senator Gómez Reyes, which strengthens protections against civil arrests for people traveling to, attending, or returning from court, including within 1,000 feet of a courthouse.
Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes said:
“No one should have to choose between seeking justice and risking separation from their family. When a survivor is afraid to seek protection, a witness is afraid to testify, or a parent is afraid to attend a hearing, our entire community pays the price.
“I authored SB 873 to strengthen protections against civil arrests for people traveling to, attending, or returning from court. I welcome Attorney General Bonta’s lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s courthouse immigration arrests and defending California’s ability to administer justice.
“The enforcement quotas and sweeping arrest directives described in the complaint show a disturbing disregard for the people behind those numbers—and for the harm these tactics cause families and communities.
“To our immigrant neighbors and the organizations standing beside them: you deserve safety, dignity, and access to justice. We will continue using every lawful tool available to protect those rights.”
Javier Hernandez, Executive Director for the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (IC4IJ), a sponsor of SB 873 serving Inland Empire communities, also welcomed the lawsuit:
“Every day, we witness the fear and harm ICE’s enforcement activities inflict on immigrant communities across our region and throughout California. No one should have to choose between showing up to court to seek justice, testify as a victim or witness, or support a loved one and risking detention.
“Courthouses must remain places where people can access justice without fear. This lawsuit is an important step toward accountability and challenging the unchecked power ICE has exercised in our communities. Our justice system cannot function when the very people it is meant to protect are too afraid to walk through its doors.
“We will continue fighting to ensure that immigrant communities can access the courts, exercise their rights, and live with dignity and without fear.”
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Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Senate District 29, Colton, Fontana, Highland, Loma Linda, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy. To learn more about Reyes, visit https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/.