California Nurses Support SB 81 to Safeguard Healthcare from ICE

New Legislation in California Aims to Protect Health Care Facilities from Immigration Authority Intrusion

In a significant legislative move, the California Nurses Association (CNA), representing the largest body of registered nurses in the state, is celebrating the successful passage of Senate Bill 81 (S.B. 81). This bill is now awaiting the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom. The nurses emphasize that this legislation is crucial for limiting the reach of immigration authorities within health care environments.

Sandy Reding, RN, president of the California Nurses Association, expressed the association's stance: “As nurses, we not only take care of our patients, we advocate for them every day. That means rejecting this push to allow immigration authorities to do harm in spaces where people are trying to heal through open threats to immigrant communities, disregarding traditional safe havens. This new legislation is essential to protecting our patients to safely receive care without fear or intimidation and ensuring we can provide health care, which is a human right, without interference.”

Senate Bill 81 has garnered support from various quarters, especially among nurses who have been vocal throughout the legislative process. Sen. Jesse Arreguín highlighted the urgency of the bill, stating, “I’m grateful to my colleagues for advancing S.B. 81 with the urgency that is needed in this critical time where many Californians don’t feel safe to get the care they need. Healthcare is a human right — and no one should have to choose between seeking medical care and fearing harassment or intimidation. Not in California. Not anywhere.”

During testimonies, nurses voiced their concerns about the presence of immigration enforcement in health care settings. Dolores Trujillo, a registered nurse and board member of CNA, remarked, “Hospitals are places where people go to be cared for and to feel safe as they focus on healing. ICE agents are acting with unconditional authority, disregarding traditional safe havens.”

The CNA is part of National Nurses United, the largest union of nurses in the United States. This organization has been active in opposing the removal of sanctuary policies for hospitals and has supported federal accountability initiatives. They have also advocated for activists and opposed ICE detentions at hospitals. Additionally, they encourage patients to educate themselves about their rights.

The California Nurses Association and National Nurses United represent a significant force in the nursing profession, with over 100,000 members across more than 200 facilities in California and over 225,000 members nationwide.