Gov. Newsom Signs AB 3228

California Continues Fight to End Private Detention,  Passes Bill To Protect Human Rights and  Ensure Accountability  

9/27/20220

For Immediate Release

Sacramento, CA — Today, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 3228, a bill designed to ensure accountability and protect human rights in private detention facilities. As disturbing reports continue to emerge on horrific abuse and deplorable conditions in immigrant detention facilities, AB 3228 provides a clear avenue to hold private corporations accountable for their violations of detention standards. AB 3228 is critical for private detention facilities, as a recent report by the House Homeland Security Committee underscored systematic failures in ICE detention and noted the lack of enforcement for violations of detention standards. 

“By passing this bill, California is cementing its legacy as a leader in the movement to end private detention and to protect human rights. We look forward to working with local advocates and our partners in the fight to end all detention while protecting the health and safety of everyone in our state,” said Jackie Gonzalez, Policy Director for Immigrant Defense Advocates. 

AB 3228 was sponsored by Immigrant Defense Advocates in coordination with legal service providers like the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ) and impacted individuals who have suffered neglect and abuse in detention. The bill, the first of its kind in the nation, requires private detention operators to adhere to standards of care enumerated in their contracts, and provides a venue in state court for individuals harmed by abuse or negligence. 

The bill comes as California continues its fight to defend AB32 and close for-profit facilities throughout the state, where COVID-19 continues to spread unabated.   

Lisa Knox, Legal Director for CCIJ noted the importance of the bill in the wake of COVID-19 spreading in California detention facilities. “What we have seen and documented over and over again is the complete failure of these facilities to abide by even the most basic standards related to health and human safety. The state of California can and must do more to support the fight to free people from all forms of cruel and unjust incarceration.”

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