00:00California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering two bills dealing with immigration enforcement in schools.
00:08The SAFE Act would mandate K-12 schools and state universities issue alerts to students, faculty and staff if immigration enforcement is on campus.
00:18The bill's author, State Senator Sasha Renee Perez, said, quote,
00:21In the face of mass deportations, raids and immigration enforcement authorities showing up at schools, the SAFE Act can help inform and empower school communities to make the best decisions about their safety and their family's safety.
00:35Republicans disagreed. State Assemblymember Heather Hadwick said, quote,
00:39While I understand the intent behind the bill, I have concerns about the practical impacts it could have on schools, parents and local law enforcement.
00:47Schools should be focused first and foremost on educating our children.
00:51And I worry this measure places them in the middle of sensitive federal enforcement issues that they are not equipped to manage.
00:58Meanwhile, the California Safe Haven Schools Act would require immigration enforcement to provide valid identification, a written statement of purpose and more to get onto school grounds.
01:08Assemblymember Al Moritsuchi, one of the bill's co-authors, said, quote,
01:12Unfortunately, recent federal immigration raids throughout California have cast fear over students and their families.
01:18Students cannot learn if they are living in fear of being deported or separated from their loved ones.
01:25They're trying to distract the public's attention for the fact that they've given immigrant families the worst performing schools in California, but they say they're pro-immigrant.
01:33They've given immigrant families that are at the lower end of the economic spectrum the highest cost of living in the nation and it's getting worse, but they say they're pro-immigrant.
01:41It's unclear if Newsom plans to sign either bill into law.
01:44For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan.
01:47If you want more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com.
Be the first to comment