New Bill Would Let Californians Sue Federal Officers

A new California bill could give residents more power to challenge federal law enforcement officers in state court.

Senate Bill 747, also called the “No Kings Act,” aims to make it easier for Californians to sue federal officers, including ICE agents, over alleged constitutional violations. The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday by an 8-2 vote and now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said the bill is about accountability. “We’ve had enough of these terror campaigns in our communities by ICE,” he said. “We need the rule of law, and we need accountability.”

The bill comes amid national attention on federal immigration enforcement, following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. Federal officials have defended the officer’s actions, but critics argue the shooting was unjustified.

Currently, Californians can sue state and local officers in state court, but legal options against federal officers are limited.

Opponents of SB 747, including Asm. Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, say the bill could harm law enforcement. “It feeds a very hurtful energy,” he said, warning it may discourage people from joining the force and put public safety at risk.

This isn’t the first California effort to limit ICE. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law banning law enforcement from wearing face masks during federal immigration operations, though the Trump administration said it would not follow the law.

ICE did not respond to requests for comment.