California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero issued a strong statement on July 31, 2025, raising alarm over recent federal immigration enforcement at California courthouses. She warned that these actions threaten access to justice by making witnesses, victims, and others afraid to come to court. This comes as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been seen more often at courthouses across the state, following new federal laws and a large increase in funding for immigration enforcement.
Chief Justice Guerrero’s Warning and Judicial Response
Chief Justice Guerrero made it clear that targeting courthouses for immigration enforcement “hinders, rather than helps, the administration of justice by deterring witnesses and victims from coming forward and discouraging individuals from asserting their rights.” She stressed that California courts must remain open to everyone, no matter their immigration status. The Judicial Council, which oversees the state’s courts, is now collecting information about these incidents and will keep watching the situation closely.
Recent Surge in ICE Activity at California Courthouses
In the past few weeks, ICE has increased its presence at county courthouses in California. This rise in enforcement is directly tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R.1), signed into law on July 7, 2025. The law gives over $170 billion to expand border and immigration enforcement, including more ICE operations in California. As a result, more people have reported seeing ICE agents at courthouses, and there have been several enforcement actions in these public spaces.
ICE issued memorandum on enforcement near courthouses
California courts implemented strict rules against ICE
One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law
Federal court issued temporary restraining orders
Chief Justice Guerrero issued statement on ICE enforcement
Legal Pushback and Court Orders
On July 11, 2025, a federal court responded to lawsuits from advocacy groups and local governments by issuing temporary restraining orders (TROs). These orders stop the federal government from using racial profiling or denying access to lawyers during immigration raids in Southern California. The court specifically told ICE not to stop people based on their race, language, or where they are, and said that anyone detained must be allowed to speak to a lawyer.
California’s Judicial and Legal Protections
California courts have taken steps to protect people from immigration enforcement in courthouses. Since February 3, 2025, courts like the Superior Court of Santa Barbara have followed strict rules. Court staff cannot help ICE, let agents into nonpublic areas, or share private records unless ICE has a valid federal judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order. These rules are based on guidance from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, issued in December 2024, which tells courts to make sure everyone can access justice and explains how to handle requests from immigration agents.
Federal Guidance and Recent Changes
ICE’s own rules, set out in a January 21, 2025 memorandum, say that officers should usually avoid enforcement actions in or near courthouses, especially in areas where non-criminal matters are handled. Any action at a courthouse needs approval from a Field Office Director. However, the recent increase in ICE activity suggests that these guidelines are not always being followed.
Pending State Legislation: SB 580
A new bill, SB 580, is being considered in the 2025–2026 legislative session. If passed, it would require the California Attorney General to publish model policies by July 1, 2026, to further limit how state and local agencies can help with federal immigration enforcement. All agencies would have to follow these policies by January 1, 2027. The bill has strong support from advocacy groups and has not faced major opposition so far.
Enforcement Trends and Numbers
As of May 2025, ICE had detained 3,199 people in California, out of 28,896 nationwide. San Francisco’s ICE office leads the country in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program, monitoring 20,397 people, while Los Angeles is fourth with 15,795 monitored cases. Despite the increase in enforcement, the number of immigration judges is capped at 800 across the country, which is only a small increase from before. These judges must handle a backlog of over 2 million cases.
Stakeholders and Their Views
- California Judiciary: The California Chief Justice and the Judicial Council strongly oppose immigration enforcement at courthouses, saying it scares people away from seeking justice and hurts public safety.
- State and Local Governments: Cities like Los Angeles have joined lawsuits to protect residents from what they see as unlawful ICE practices.
- Advocacy Groups: Groups such as the ACLU, CHIRLA, and ImmDef are fighting federal enforcement in court and helping those affected.
- Federal Government: ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, with new funding and policy changes, are increasing enforcement even as the state pushes back.
Impact on Immigrants and the Justice System
Many immigrants, no matter their status, may now be afraid to go to court, report crimes, or act as witnesses because they fear being arrested by ICE. This fear can make it harder for courts to do their job and for justice to be served. California’s laws and court policies provide important protections, like limiting ICE’s access and requiring judicial warrants, but these are being tested by the current surge in federal activity.
Due Process and Legal Rights
Recent federal court orders require ICE to respect basic rights, including not using racial profiling and making sure detainees can talk to a lawyer. These protections are especially important in Southern California, where enforcement has been most aggressive.
What to Do If ICE Appears at a Courthouse
If ICE agents show up at a courthouse:
– Court staff should not help them or let them into nonpublic areas.
– ICE must have a valid federal judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order to get information or access.
– Staff should refer ICE agents to supervisors.
People facing enforcement actions should contact legal aid groups like the ACLU of Southern California, CHIRLA, or ImmDef for help.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
If SB 580 becomes law, California will further limit how state and local agencies can help with federal immigration enforcement by 2027. Legal battles and policy disagreements between the state and federal government are likely to continue, especially as both sides strengthen their positions. The Judicial Council and advocacy groups will keep watching courthouse enforcement and will challenge any actions that threaten access to justice.
Official Resources
For more information, visit the California Judicial Council newsroom, which provides updates on court policies and official statements.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments show how the fight over immigration enforcement at California courthouses is shaping the state’s justice system and affecting thousands of people. The situation remains fluid, with new laws, court orders, and advocacy efforts all playing a role in what happens next. For now, the message from the California Chief Justice is clear: everyone should have access to justice, and the courts will work to protect that right.
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