SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez) released the following statement on AB 1627 – The Melt Ice Act of 2026.
“This week, the California State Assembly passed Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías’ bills to disqualify employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from becoming peace officers in California and to protect California’s communities, polling places, and childcare centers.
“No parent should fear losing a child to enforcement actions, and no voter should be intimidated from participating in our democracy,” said Assemblymember Ávila Farías. “I thank Speaker Rivas and my fellow Democratic colleagues for their support of our community’s safety. I look forward to continuing to work for immigrants and all Californians.”
“AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-Enforcement Trust Act of 2026 (MELT ICE Act), would disqualify individuals previously employed by ICE with documented patterns of abuse during relevant periods from serving as peace officers in California.
“AB 2230 protects voters and children by restricting federal law enforcement presence near polling places and prevents ICE from entering nonpublic childcare areas without a judicial warrant, subpoena or court order.”
On the Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Ávila Farías emphasized that ICE enforcement has created fear across California—impacting both citizens and immigrants alike—and legislation is needed to proactively safeguard our communities and critical spaces.
“These bills are about safety, dignity, and reducing harm before it happens. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” the Assemblymember said.
Both bills have advanced to the State Senate where they await referral to relevant committees.
Assemblymember Ávila Farías represents the 15th Assembly District‚ which includes the communities of Antioch‚ Bay Point‚ Brentwood‚ Clayton‚ Concord‚ Crockett‚ Pacheco‚ Pittsburg‚ Pleasant Hill‚ Port Costa‚ and Walnut Creek.
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Editors Note:
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
This bill would disqualify a person from being a peace officer if they were employed by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029. The bill would authorize a person disqualified as a peace officer by these provisions to petition the State Personnel Board to restore their eligibility, and would require the board to make a determination of a petitioner’s rehabilitated moral character in deciding whether to restore the petitioner’s eligibility.
Existing law requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to complete a background investigation, using as guidelines the standards defined by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, of any applicant for employment as a peace officer before the applicant may be employed or begin training as a peace officer.
This bill would require the background investigation completed by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to also include an investigation of prior employment with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
By prohibiting local governments from employing persons as described above, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
