California lawmakers pass symbolic resolution condemning immigration raids
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! Happy Independence Day from The Sacramento Bee’s Capitol Bureau.
IMMIGRATION AND INDEPENDENCE
Democratic state Senators gathered at the Capitol Thursday morning to show support for Senate joint resolution 9, a symbolic measure to condemn federal militarized immigration raids in California. Passing the measure is a part of an ongoing Democratic effort to safeguard the state’s immigrant communities.
Lawmakers first held a press conference on the West Steps before voting on the measure in the Senate later that morning.
Despite strong language in the resolution condemning the raids, its passage does not change any state laws or create any new policies. State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Alhambra, pointed out as much even while stressing her support on the Senate floor.
“This resolution is literally the baseline,” she said.
While lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have found some common ground on immigration enforcement, many Republicans shared their disapproval of SJR 9 during debate.
State Sen. Steven Choi, R-Irvine, and other Republican Senators pointed to California’s lack of cooperation with federal law enforcement as the reason for heightened scrutiny of the state’s immigrant population.
“Let’s be clear,” Choi said. “California could have prevented ICE from entering our neighborhoods.”
A first-generation immigrant himself, Choi called the measure performative and said it will only further politicize a serious issue.
Leaders of the legislative diversity caucuses joined the California Legislative Latino Caucus at the press conference Thursday to promote the resolution and bills related to immigration. State Sen. Lena A. Gonzalez, D-Long Beach, chair of the Latino Caucus, said legislators are working to fast track bills focused on protections in schools, health care facilities and workplaces.
“We will continue the work every single day until this terror ends,” Gonzalez said.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister joined the group on the west steps and took time to reflect on the history of Independence Day. He said, as the son and grandson of immigrants, he usually feels gratitude on the holiday.
This year is different because of President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign, Rivas said.
“What does independence really mean when our communities live in fear?” he asked.
Leaders of the Jewish, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ caucuses all spoke at the press conference in support of the resolution and echoed remarks condemning Trump’s actions.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“This bill fulfills many of our promises to the American people: lower taxes, lighter regulations, a secure border, more frugal government and a war on waste. Throughout history, these are the policies that have produced prosperity and security and there is every reason to believe they will again.”
— Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove on the passage of a sweeping tax and spending bill
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This story was originally published July 4, 2025 at 4:55 AM.