California Bill Targets Identification in Immigration Raids

California lawmakers have introduced the No Vigilantes Act (SB 805), co-authored by State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez and Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, to require all law enforcement officers, including those conducting immigration enforcement, to clearly display identification such as a name or badge number during operations. The bill is a response to recent immigration raids in Southern California, particularly in Pasadena, Hawthorne, and Orange County, where masked and often unidentified individuals—sometimes impersonating federal agents—have detained residents, fostering fear and mistrust. The proposed law also prohibits bounty hunters from participating in immigration enforcement and authorizes local law enforcement to investigate suspected impersonators or misconduct. Lawmakers and community members stress that these standards are essential for restoring public trust and ensuring safety, especially for vulnerable groups. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in enforcement actions. If passed, the law could take effect as early as 2026.