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AB 85

Law enforcement: cooperation with immigration authorities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Essayli

AB 85 would expand California law enforcement's permitted cooperation with federal immigration authorities, potentially reversing sanctuary law restrictions on ICE information-sharing and collaboration.

In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
#lawenforcement #cooperationwithimmigrationauthorities
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Bill Summary · AB 85

Legislative bill overview

AB 85 would modify California's restrictions on law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Bill Essayli, appears designed to allow greater information-sharing and coordination between local/state police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) compared to current California law, which significantly limits such cooperation.

Why is this important

California has implemented some of the nation's strictest "sanctuary" policies limiting police involvement in immigration enforcement, based on concerns that cooperation discourages immigrant communities from reporting crimes and cooperating with law enforcement. This bill represents a direct challenge to that approach and could fundamentally alter how California law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities, affecting millions of residents and departmental practices statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Community trust and public safety trade-off: Opponents argue expanded ICE cooperation will deter immigrants from reporting crimes, witnessing for prosecution, and cooperating with police, ultimately reducing public safety. Supporters counter that limiting information-sharing hampers legitimate law enforcement and allows serious criminals to evade federal authorities.
  • Scope of "cooperation" undefined: The bill's language regarding what cooperation is permitted remains unclear from available information, creating uncertainty about whether it covers routine information-sharing, active assistance, or both.
  • Partisan/values divide: This reflects fundamental disagreement about immigration enforcement philosophy—whether it's primarily a federal responsibility best kept separate from local policing, or whether local agencies should participate in enforcement priorities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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