California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 873 on Sept. 29, 2026, creating new requirements for federal immigration arrests within 1,000 feet of state courthouses, affecting immigrants, witnesses and others using the courts. The law, by state Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes, requires immigration officers to present a valid judicial warrant and clearly identify themselves before making certain arrests in that zone; it takes effect Jan. 1. Supporters say courthouse arrests deter people from seeking justice, while critics including San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus argue the measure is unconstitutional and could put local deputies in conflict with federal law.
Why it matters: The law could change how immigration enforcement is carried out around California courthouses and may affect whether immigrants feel safe appearing as victims, witnesses or litigants. It also sets up a likely federal-state conflict over how far California can regulate immigration enforcement activity.
2026.09.30
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This article establishes a distinct story about California's new courthouse-arrest restrictions because none of the existing tracked stories centers on SB 873 or this specific state law signed on Sept. 29, 2026.
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