California passes bills barring former ICE agents from state jobs and banning shock gloves

In Sacramento, the Democratic-led California Legislature passed a pair of bills targeting immigration-enforcement practices. Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez authored legislation that would prevent former federal immigration agents and related contractors from being hired by state, municipal, county, school-district and other public employers, allowing only case-by-case exceptions for those who complete state police training.

A companion measure by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan bars police officers from moonlighting on ICE contracts. Separately, a bill sponsored by Senator Jesse Arreguín bans the use of electric-shock gloves by state and federal officers until 2030 and requires the state Department of Justice to study their safety, after a DHS plan to procure them. Supporters, including Lena Gonzalez and Scott Wiener, said the measures defend immigrant rights and ensure public-safety tools are vetted, while Republicans such as Tony Strickland and Kelly Seyarto argued the bans may limit effective policing.

The legislation also includes provisions on mask bans for federal agents, a tax on detention-center operators, and a right-to-sue clause for civil-rights violations. Governor Gavin Newsom must sign or veto by Sept. 30.