Assemblymember Kalra Releases Statement Urging Strong Protection of Voting Locations in November

SACRAMENTO - Today, Assemblymember Kalra released the following statement:

"I urge Governor Newsom to take decisive action to uphold California law and safeguard the integrity of our elections. The pervasive presence of ICE throughout our state is not only terrorizing communities but also threatening the very foundation of our democratic process. I believe he should be prepared to mobilize the National Guard to protect voting locations and ensure that every Californian can cast their vote free from intimidation and interference.

"Furthermore, counties and municipalities across the state should instruct local law enforcement to defend voting centers from any nefarious disruptions and generally protect all residents from indiscriminate detentions and warrantless arrests by unidentified federal actors. We cannot allow poorly trained ICE agents, who overstep legal boundaries and act as though they are above the law, to continue their unlawful activities unchecked. It is time for our California National Guard and local law enforcement to step in and ensure that justice and order are maintained and that all residents feel safe in their neighborhoods."

The California Legislature has passed several bills in recent years to strengthen buffer zones around voting locations and protect voters from harassment by law enforcement and federal agents. After threats from President Trump and his advisors to station ICE at polling places during the primary election and recent surges in immigration enforcement, California must take preemptive action to ensure these threats do not result in disruption of the general election.

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Assemblymember Ash Kalra represents California's 25th Assembly District, which encompasses the majority of San José, including downtown and open space areas in southeast Santa Clara County. He was first elected in 2016, becoming the first Indian American to serve in the California Legislature in state history, and was re-elected to his fifth term in 2024. Assemblymember Kalra is the Chair of the Committee on Judiciary and also serves as a member on the Housing & Community Development, Labor & Employment, Natural Resources, and Utilities & Energy committees.