FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Contact: Elisa Rivera at Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov or (559) 264-3070

Senator Caballero’s Civil Detainees’ Bill of Rights Signed into Law

SB 942 establishes basic rights and protections for people held in civil immigration detention

SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Anna M. Caballero’s (D-Merced) bill establishing a Bill of Rights for people held in civil detention facilities in California was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom today.

Senator Caballero authored Senate Bill 942 to establish clear protections for people held in civil immigration detention and ensure they are treated humanely while in custody.

“Our immigration laws are broken, and it can take decades for immigrants to resolve their cases and have their day in court. Previously, the federal government allowed immigrants to live in their communities, with their families, with work permits. Not so today. They are at great physical and mental risk while in custody, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all detainees are treated with humanity and respect,” said Senator Caballero.

“I authored SB 942 because everyone held in civil immigration detention deserves humane treatment and the protection of basic rights. Today, my bill was signed into law, establishing a Bill of Rights for people held in civil detention, with protections for medical care, religious practice, adequate food, sanitation, communication with loved ones and access to legal counsel.

“I thank the advocates and sponsors who showed up, organized and fought for this bill. Thank you to my legislative colleagues for their partnership and Governor Newsom for his signature. California will stand against hate, defend basic rights, and protect our own.”

SB 942 establishes clear rights for people held in civil detention, including protections related to medical care, adequate food and sanitation, religious practice, communication with loved ones and access to legal counsel.

With SB 942 now law, Senator Caballero closes one of the final chapters of her legislative career with a victory for immigrant families and communities across California. The bill reflects a principle that has guided her work throughout her years in public service: government has a responsibility to protect people, especially when they are at their most vulnerable. The Civil Detainees’ Bill of Rights is now California law, and those protections will endure long after Senator Caballero leaves the Legislature.

For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070

About Senator Anna M. Caballero
Senator Anna M. Caballero represents California’s 14th Senate District, which includes much of Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties. She is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and a member of several other committees. Senator Caballero continues to work tirelessly on behalf of her district for policies that strengthen California’s agricultural industry, protects working families, supports affordable, accessible healthcare for all and fosters economic development across the state.