Bill would bar state grants, loans to private entities that contract with ICE

Sen. Caballero presented SB 1171 to prohibit private entities that contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from receiving state-funded loans or grants. He framed the bill as a policy choice about how state tax dollars should be used in light of recent enforcement activity.

"SB 1171 is very simple," Sen. Caballero said. "It makes any private entity that contracts with ICE ineligible for state funded grants and loans."

Hector Pereira (S20), political manager at the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, testified in support and described what he and his coalition characterized as systemic abuses and inhumane conditions at private detention facilities, saying that in 2025 at least 31 people died in ICE custody and urging an I vote.

Committee members voiced strong support from immigrant communities and described local fear after recent raids. The committee recorded motions to pass SB 1171 to the committee on Appropriations and conducted a roll call; the clerk left the roll open for absent members while the bill was 'on call.'

No opposition witnesses were recorded in the hearing; committee members emphasized the bill's symbolic and funding-limiting approach rather than direct federal enforcement authority.