February 25, 2025
Honorable Al Muratsuchi
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Room 5310
Sacramento, CA 95816
RE: AB 49 (Muratsuchi): School sites and day care centers: entry requirements: immigration enforcement – SUPPORT Dear Assemblymember Muratsuchi:
On behalf of the City of Salinas, I write to express our support for your measure, Assembly Bill (AB) 49. This bill would prohibit school officials and employees of a local educational agency from allowing an officer or employee of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter a school for any purpose without providing valid identification, a written statement of purpose, and a valid judicial warrant, and receiving approval from the superintendent of the school district, the superintendent of the county office of education, or the principal of the charter school.
Additionally, this bill extends protections to day care centers, prohibiting employees of day care centers from allowing ICE to enter for any purpose without providing a valid judicial warrant. We would also suggest that the bill extend to family childcare homes. Family childcare homes make up a majority of childcare not only in our area, but throughout the state. Therefore, including them ensures the intent of this bill is fully executed.
The City of Salinas recognizes its long and rich history of immigrants who have contributed to our local economy and become leaders in our community. We are a diverse city with foreign-born residents comprising over 38% of the City’s total population, and significant numbers of undocumented immigrants comprise our workforce in the agriculture, hospitality, and construction industries. The City of Salinas values a community where all residents—regardless of immigration status—can access vital services with confidence. Therefore, the City of Salinas wants to assure immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers opportunities for economic security, empowerment, and civic engagement, which are safe and free from discrimination, oppression, and violence, including safety to attend and work at our schools and to send children to daycare.
For these reasons, the City of Salinas supports Assembly Bill 49 and suggests that family childcare homes be included. We urge our state legislature to give this vital measure the passage it deserves. We appreciate your leadership on this important issue and look forward to the positive impact AB 49 will have on the families of Salinas and communities across California.
Sincerely,
Dennis Donohue, Mayor
City of Salinas
cc: City Council
City Manager
City Attorney