New bill aims to protect Californians who document federal immigration activity

SACRAMENTO (KABC) — A Southern California state senator has introduced legislation intended to protect residents who record or observe federal immigration enforcement actions.

Sen. Sasha Renee Perez, who represents Pasadena, announced the Protect California Rights Act during an event on Monday.

The bill seeks to affirm that Californians may legally document government activity and would prohibit local law enforcement agencies from assisting federal officers in operations that involve racial or identity profiling.

“Being a legal observer is not illegal, documenting government activity is not illegal,” Perez said.

Perez appeared alongside Angie Vargas, whose widely viewed video of a recent federal operation prompted renewed calls for accountability. Vargas said she was filming federal agents last month when an Alhambra police cruiser cut her off.

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“I began documenting from a safe distance. Shortly after, I noticed Alhambra PD behind me, and I had a strong feeling that I was going to be stopped,” Vargas said. “Within minutes, I was pulled over and approached by both Alhambra PD and federal agents at the same time. Federal agents came up to my vehicle, they took pictures, they questioned my citizenship, and accused me of impeding.”

The Protect California Rights Act also calls for banning the use of unauthorized military weapons against Californians.