California has a new rule for immigration enforcement near its courts. 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 affects courthouses across San Bernardino County and the rest of the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on September 29, 2026, and it takes effect on January 1, 2027. Here is what the law does, why lawmakers moved forward with it, and where its limits may lie.
What SB 873 Does
Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) introduced SB 873 on January 6, 2026. She authored the bill with Sen. Tom Umberg, and it is known as the “Kick ICE Out of Courts” bill.
The law creates a buffer zone around courthouses. Inside that zone, agents must meet specific requirements before carrying out certain arrests.
Who the Law Protects
Like the No Secret Police Act, the law reinforces protections for people traveling to, attending, or leaving court proceedings for lawful purposes.
That includes defendants, witnesses, victims, and family members. In practice, it covers anyone who has a legitimate reason to be at the courthouse.
The Warrant and Identification Requirements
Agents must present a valid judicial warrant. They must also clearly identify themselves.
Together, these steps are meant to bring more transparency and accountability to arrests made near courthouse doors.
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. SB 873 was written to close that gap.
Activity in the Inland Empire
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.
That concern reaches well beyond criminal cases. Family court hearings, probate matters, and civil disputes all depend on people showing up. For a closer look at the legislation, read this breakdown of how California law now restricts ICE arrests near courthouses.
What the Law Does Not Cover
SB 873 has limits. Two stand out.
Immigration Courthouses
SB 873 does not apply to immigration courthouses, which the federal government oversees.
The buffer zone applies to California’s state courthouses, not to the federal immigration court system.
Enforcement Questions
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. Anyone following this issue should expect further developments in the months ahead.
Why Courthouse Access Matters
Courts work only when people can reach them safely. Plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, and jurors all play a part, and a missing participant can slow a case or weaken it.
When people fear arrest near a courthouse, some stay home. That can mean missed hearings, dropped claims, and lost testimony.
The effect is not limited to one community. Every case that depends on a witness can be affected when that witness is afraid to appear.
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.
A bystander who saw a red-light violation, a passenger who watched a driver look at a phone, or a neighbor who heard the collision may hold key facts. If those people stay silent out of fear, a valid claim can suffer.
Your Right to Explore Legal Options
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.
Speaking with a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you understand how your case may move forward, what evidence matters, and what to expect if it reaches court. Lawyers serving clients in Hesperia, Victorville, Corona, and across California handle these questions every day.
Steps to Take After a Crash
Acting quickly protects your claim. These steps help in most situations:
- Get medical care and keep every record.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Collect names and contact details for witnesses.
- Report the crash to police and your insurer.
- Keep in mind that California generally limits how long you have to file an injury claim, so do not wait.
Those who want to understand the types of cases a firm can handle may find it helpful to review the full list of practice areas.
What to Watch Next
SB 873 marks a significant shift in how California approaches enforcement near its courts. Its success will depend on how it is applied and whether it survives legal challenges.
For now, the message is clear. Courts are meant to be open to everyone with a lawful reason to be there, including crash victims seeking fair compensation and the witnesses who help them prove their case.
