The California Assembly Education Committee has taken a significant step towards safeguarding students' rights and ensuring a safe learning environment by advancing Senate Bill 48. This measure, which aims to restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities on school campuses, received strong support during the committee meeting held on July 2, 2025.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurman, along with Juan Ramirez, Executive Vice President of the California Federation of Teachers, championed the bill, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures in schools. They emphasized that the presence of ICE agents near educational institutions has created an atmosphere of fear, leading to decreased student attendance and, consequently, reduced funding for schools. Thurman stated, “This is a thoughtful straightforward measure that says that schools are placed where there should be no ICE enforcement.”

The bill stipulates that ICE agents must possess a judicial warrant to enter school premises, thereby reinforcing the rights of students and their families. Ramirez, drawing from his extensive experience in education, articulated the emotional toll on immigrant families, noting that fear of deportation has led many students to avoid school altogether. He urged committee members to support the bill, asserting that it sends a clear message that schools are safe havens for all students.

The committee meeting also featured numerous public endorsements from various educational and community organizations, including the California Undocumented Higher Education Coalition and the California Faculty Association, all echoing the sentiment that education should remain accessible and free from intimidation.

With an urgency clause attached, SB 48 aims to be enacted before the start of the upcoming school year, ensuring that students can return to a secure learning environment. The committee's support for this bill marks a pivotal moment in California's ongoing efforts to protect the rights of all students, regardless of their immigration status, and to uphold the values of safety and inclusivity in education.