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1300+SB 873 requires federal immigration agents to present a valid judicial warrant and clearly identify themselves before making certain arrests within 1,000 feet of a California courthouse. The measure now affects courthouses across San Bernardino County and the rest of the state.
What the New Law Does
Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) introduced SB 873 on January 6, 2026. She authored it with Sen. Tom Umberg, and it is known as the “Kick ICE Out of Courts” bill.
Similar to the “No Secret Police Act,” the law also reinforces protections for people traveling to, attending, or leaving court proceedings for lawful purposes. That includes defendants, witnesses, victims, and family members.
Why Lawmakers Acted
California already barred civil arrests inside court buildings unless the agency has a judicial warrant. Advocates said that rule left a gap for arrests just outside the doors. CalMatters reported it was unclear whether the existing ban covered the area outside courthouses, a gap SB 873 was written to close.
The Inland Empire has seen much of the activity. In April, federal agents arrested several people outside the Rancho Cucamonga courthouse in a matter of hours.
A San Bernardino County public defender said the arrests were also affecting civil, family and probate courts. She said the arrests have a chilling effect on access to the courts.
What the Law Does Not Cover
SB 873 does not apply to immigration courthouses, which the federal government oversees. Enforcement is also an open question.
Reports note it is unclear how California could penalize federal officers who violate the buffer, since federal law often supersedes state limits on federal law enforcement. Legal challenges are possible, so the law’s practical reach may change.
What This Means for Crash Victims and Witnesses
Fear of going to court can keep people from pursuing injury claims or testifying about what they saw. Car accident cases depend on witnesses, and many of those cases reach a courthouse.
If you were hurt in a crash in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, or the High Desert, you have the right to explore your legal options.
The personal injury attorneys from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer serve clients in Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia, Victorville, Corona, and across California.
Contact our law offices in San Bernardino County for a free consultation about your accident claim.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.