Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez’s Legislation to Support Families Facing Immigration Raids and the Threat of Family Separation Heads to the Governor

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California Legislature passed Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez’s (D-San Fernando) Assembly Bill (AB) 495, Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, supporting families in developing Family Preparedness Plans and offering tools to assist parents and children when separation occurs.

“We are one step closer to helping families facing separation. AB 495 is focused on keeping families together,” said Assemblywoman Rodriguez. “It strengthens parents’ ability to make decisions, empowers them to prepare, and ensures kids are cared for by loved ones. I am honored to stand with immigrant families, child advocates, and parent groups across California to strengthen legal tools for families to create formal safety plans and caregiving arrangements, including joint guardianship through the courts."

No child should be left in the shadows, and no family should be without options when facing the trauma of a family separation. Creating a family preparedness plan is essential, especially when our hardworking immigrant families are being unfairly targeted and forced to live in fear. AB 495 builds on family planning policies developed almost 30 years ago, and this bill does not alter that long-standing law and continues those efforts to help families plan ahead. We have an obligation to provide all parents the support they need and deserve,” continued Assemblywoman Rodriguez.

“AB 495 is about protecting families. Emergencies happen, and no child should be left stranded with no adult to care for them," said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus. "This bill sets up a new, temporary joint guardianship process through a court, so parents who have to be away for an extended period of time can choose a trusted caregiver, without giving up their parental rights. It offers a clear legal path that keeps children safe, reduces trauma in a time of transition, and helps families plan for the unexpected.”

“During this time of uncertainty and deportations, families deserve stability, safety, and dignity regardless of their status. In this time when too many families are at risk of separation, AB 495 provides families with options to make a plan that works best for them, prevents unnecessary permanent separations, and facilitates reunification. We are grateful for the leadership of Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez on AB 495, which puts children and families first," said Sharon Cartagena, Directing Attorney, Child, Youth & Family Advocacy, Public Counsel.

“AB 495 is a critical tool to aid our immigrant communities. We’re living in a time when the federal government is terrorizing our communities through detentions and deportations. Children are being separated from their parents with no notice and limited options. We must ensure children in mixed-status households are being cared for in the case of their parents being detained or deported by immigration enforcement. AB 495 aims to protect children with immigrant parents. We appreciate the legislative support for AB 495 and thank Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez for championing this bill and protecting our children,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).

“We are thrilled that AB 495 is advancing, supporting options for families facing the trauma of separation. Our communities’ children and their well-being are at the core of AB 495: It promotes parent engagement in making the difficult but necessary decisions that are best for their family and provides options to help support them in times of crisis. We applaud Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez for her leadership on this issue and the legislature for their support of this critical legislation,” said Kristin Power, Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, Alliance for Children’s Rights.

AB 495 also requires local education agencies to adopt the latest guidance from the California Attorney General’s report, "Promoting a Safe and Secure Learning Environment for All." In addition, the bill directs the Attorney General to develop policies to shield childcare centers from immigration enforcement actions. Assembly Bill 495 is now headed to the Governor for further action.

For more information on AB 495, visit https://a43.asmdc.org/ab-495.