CAL.Regulation
California codifies rights for people held in civil immigration detention
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 942 on September 29, 2026, as an urgency statute effective immediately. New Civil Code section 53.9 grants people held for civil immigration proceedings at any locked facility in California, including ICE and ORR contract facilities, rights to dignity, privacy, humane care, medical care, clean facilities, food, confidential phone access and attorney mail. The Attorney General may sue and seek $2,500 per violation.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- Grants enumerated dignity, privacy, and humane-care rights to civil immigration detainees.California Legislative Information
- Guarantees medical and dental care and least-restrictive mental-health care.California Legislative Information
- Bars unnecessary restraint, isolation, and medication, and protects religious exercise and recreation.California Legislative Information
- Guarantees confidential telephone access and uncensored attorney and court mail.California Legislative Information
- Chapter 755, Statutes of 2026, urgency; the Attorney General may sue for injunctive relief and civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation.California Legislative Information
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor