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A CNN investigation this week reveals more than 100 US-born children have been left stranded without a parent this year due to President Trump’s inhumane, cruel immigration enforcement policies. A California bill sitting on Governor Newsom’s desk, AB 495, seeks to give families impacted by raids some peace of mind.
Los Angeles, CA – A broad coalition of more than 50 organizations, led by the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Public Counsel, and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA) are reacting today to a CNN report and expressing deep concerns for what they see as a hardline and cruel approach to immigration enforcement and how is shattering family safety and well-being, especially impacting children. The report reveals a disturbing trend by the Trump Administration of arresting and deporting heads of households and leaving behind hundreds of children stranded without their parents.
The California coalition has partnered with state Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-43rd District) advancing AB 495, the Family Preparedness Act of 2025, as a direct response to alleviate some of the suffering and chaos that ensues when a head of household is detained, arrested, or deported and children under the age of 18 are left behind without a caregiver. The bill passed the Assembly and Senate this year and is currently sitting on Governor Newsom’s desk for consideration.
A fact sheet on AB 495, what it does and does not do can be found HERE.
The following statements can be attributed to:
“One of the untold tragedies of the current hardline approach to immigration enforcement by the Trump Administration is the uprooting of men, women, and children from their communities and the chaos that ensues after a head of household is taken and children are left behind to fend for themselves. This type of cruelty has no name and place in America. We are so proud and honored to partner with Assemblymember Rodriguez to offer a glimmer of hope, AB 495, for parents torn apart from their children as they will not lose their parental rights and know someone of their choosing is taking care of them. California must stand with these Californians and set an example of humanity and compassion for those suffering the indignities of these cruel and racist raids. We urge Governor Newsom to stand for these children and our families by signing this bill today,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).
“Families are enduring the unthinkable right now - separation from their children,” said Assemblywoman Rodriguez. “AB 495 empowers parents to make arrangements and preserve their parental rights, so that California’s kids are not left with strangers and instead will be cared for by people they already know and love. While the Trump administration is fearmongering and disappearing our community members, California must step up. We have a moral duty to expand protections for our immigrant and mixed-status families. I stand with parents, child advocates, and survivor groups in calling on Governor Newsom to sign AB 495.”
"At Cast, the nation’s largest comprehensive services provider for survivors of human trafficking, we have seen firsthand how family separation leaves children vulnerable to exploitation. Recently, one of our young clients was left without care after her guardian was detained. Cast was able to step in, but most families don’t have that safety net. AB 495 gives families the tools to make clear caregiving plans so kids are never left alone in a crisis. This bill is about protecting children, preventing abuse, and keeping families connected,” said Kay Buck, CEO of Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking LA.
“We applaud Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez for her stalwart leadership supporting California families in times of crisis. AB 495 promotes family preparedness plans to assist in preparing for separations and improves caregiving options for families. We join our co-sponsors CHIRLA and Public Counsel in urging Governor Newsom to step up for children by signing this critical legislation,” said Kristin Power, Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, Alliance for Children’s Rights.
“Family separations are happening again, with children coming home from school to find their parents gone. Now more than ever, California needs to improve the legal tools families can use to plan for these separations and ensure they are not permanent. We are proud to stand with the Alliance for Children’s Rights, CHIRLA, and Assemblyperson Celeste Rodriguez in support of AB 495. We urge Governor Newsom to sign it and stand firmly against family separation,” said Sharon Balmer Cartagena, Directing Attorney, Children, Youth, & Family Advocacy, Public Counsel.
Californians are urged to call Governor Newsom and urge him to sign AB 495 into law today by calling (916) 445-2841.
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