Gov. Newsom Signs SB 1132 Providing Public Health Inspections in Private Detention Facilities 

Gov. Newsom Signs SB 1132 Providing Public Health Inspections in Private Detention Facilities 

Sacramento, CA —

Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed Senate Bill 1132 into law, empowering county health officers to enter and inspect private detention facilities operating in the state of California. This includes six private, for-profit civil detention facilities used to detain immigrants. 

“SB 1132 sends a clear message that California will protect the health and safety of everyone in our state, and underscores that public health should always be prioritized over private profit,” said Jackie Gonzalez, Policy Director with Immigrant Defense Advocates, a sponsor of SB 1132.

Private detention facilities have posed a risk to public health and individual safety in California over the last decade. This includes mass COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as workplace safety violations. Private detention operators have been routinely accused of cutting corners in order to maximize profits, often at the expense of the health and safety of those employed or detained in these facilities. 

“As we heard from expert testimony throughout the legislative process, private for-profit detention facilities are a threat to public health and the wellbeing of California residents, especially those in their custody” said Edwin Carmona-Cruz, Co-Executive Director at the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice. “Any private company that violates public health guidelines is held accountable, these facilities should not be the exception.”

Advocates have worked in partnership with detained individuals as well as local public health to monitor health and safety in private facilities, and will continue to work together to implement SB 1132. 

“NextGen California is thrilled to see SB 1132 (Durazo) reach the Governor’s Desk and we respectfully request this important piece of legislation be signed into law. It is vital that public health officials are able to protect the health and safety of everyone in California, including immigrants held in for-profit detention facilities. There needs to be accountability and oversight in facilities that routinely place profit over health and safety.” Adriana Sanchez-Ochoa, Chief Deputy Director at NextGen California, Sponsor of SB 1132

“No one deserves to be held in inhumane conditions, but time after time immigration detention facilities, operated by private prison corporations, have been found to be unsanitary, negligent and dangerous. Immigration detention facilities not only deprive people of their liberty and break families apart, they have a track record of abusive and sometimes deadly conditions. SB 1132 is a step towards protecting the health, safety and well-being of people detained in private facilities and will help hold for-profit, private prison corporations accountable in California.” Bruno Huizar, Policy Manager with California Immigrant Policy Center.

Quotes provided by individuals currently detained in for-profit facilities:

“Please come check these places out.” said Dilmer, a labor striker detained at the Golden State Annex, a for-profit detention center.

###