Bay Area lawmakers’ bills to combat ICE head to Newsom’s desk

Several state bills spurred by Silicon Valley lawmakers to keep federal immigration agents accountable and uphold rights for detainees are headed to the governor’s desk.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities have been rife with alleged human rights violations, with reports of inhumane living conditions, sexual abuse, unsanitary food and inadequate medical care. In response, state lawmakers have stepped up to protect immigrant rights with bills that would tax companies operating detention centers, prevent ICE contractors from receiving state grants or loans and allow the federal agency to be sued for monetary damages and First Amendment rights violations.