By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California’s largest federal immigration detention facility has quietly reopened in Kern County and has started receiving detainees, according to the private prison operator CoreCivic. The facility, now known as the California City Immigration Processing Center, is a 2,560-bed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center.

“We have begun receiving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees at our California City Correctional Facility (CCCF) in response to an immediate need from the federal government for safe, humane and appropriate housing and care for these individuals,” said Ryan Gustin, senior director for public affairs for CoreCivic.

The facility is the third privately-operated ICE detention center in Kern County and the seventh in California. It originally opened in the late 1990s as a federal facility, later becoming a state prison, and was closed in 2024 after California ended for-profit prison contracts. CoreCivic confirmed that the reopening will create roughly 500 jobs and generate more than $2 million in property taxes for California City.

The reopening has raised legal and community concerns. California law requires a 180-day public notice before opening or reusing detention facilities under SB29. City officials, including Mayor Marquette Hawkins and City Manager Christopher Lopez, did not respond to comment requests, and Lopez said he had “no information” on long-term agreements between ICE and the city.

Advocates warned during a June 24 city council meeting that reopening the facility could lead to increased local ICE arrests.

Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez, manager of the nonprofit Faith in the Valley, said, “We’re troubled by California City turning a deaf ear to the objections voiced by community members and advocates voiced at previous meetings.”

Faith in the Valley estimates that roughly 300 detainees have already been quietly transferred from nearby facilities Golden State Annex and Mesa Verde. City officials have raised safety concerns, citing insufficient emergency communications and building code issues in a July 29 letter to CoreCivic. Gustin said the company has addressed these concerns and maintains “an open line of communication” with city officials.

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

John Lowell Burton, an influential figure in California politics who served as State Assemblymember, U.S. Congressman, President pro Tempore of the State Senate, and Chair of the California Democratic Party, passed away of natural causes on Sept. 7.

Burton was 92.

Gov. Gavin Newsom honored his legacy: “There was no greater champion for the poor, the bullied, the disabled, and forgotten Californians than John Burton. He was a towering figure — a legendary force whose decades of service shaped our state and our politics for the better.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a longtime friend, reflected on Burton’s determination.

“His life’s work reminds us that authentic leadership means having the courage to speak truth to power and never forgetting where you came from,” Lee said.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said Burton was a guiding light and fierce defender of justice.

“John was a mentor to countless progressive leaders across California, including me,” said Padilla.  “I’ll always be grateful for his counsel over our breakfasts at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco, surrounded by residents working to rebuild their lives.”

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis also paid tribute to Burton.

“John Burton left an indelible mark not only on California, but on all of us who were inspired by his example. He showed us what it means to lead with courage, to fight for the voiceless, and to speak truth without fear,” said Kounalakis.

Burton’s decades in office were marked by passionate advocacy for civil rights, environmental protection, education, healthcare, and foster youth. He overcame personal struggles — including addressing addiction in the 1980s — and returned to public service with renewed purpose. His work reshaped California’s political landscape and inspired generations of leaders.

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) remembered her friend.

“Today, working families have lost one of the most outspoken, ferocious and unyielding champions our nation has ever known,” said Pelosi in a statement, adding that Burton “was a progressive warrior and dear friend whose big heart, sharp mind and boundless fight for justice shaped California and America.”

According to Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Burton will be posthumously inducted into the California Hall of Fame and flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor.

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring K-12 schools, state universities, and community colleges to notify students, faculty, and families when immigration enforcement authorities are present on campuses. The legislation, known as the SAFE Act, comes amid the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation efforts and increasing immigration enforcement activity near schools.

State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Alhambra), who authored the bill, said it is modeled on early warning systems already used for other campus emergencies.

“With students returning to school, this legislation is more important than ever,” said Pérez. “In the face of mass deportations, raids and immigration enforcement authorities showing up at schools, the SAFE Act can help inform and empower school communities to make the best decisions about their safety and their family’s safety.”

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who oversees the state’s public school system, strongly supported the bill.

“Our immigrant families are living in fear and our time to act is limited. The school year has begun, and now is the time to make decisive efforts to protect our communities and maintain schools as a safe place for learning,” said Thurmond.

Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hill Estates) emphasized the need for safe learning environments.

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“Students cannot learn unless they feel safe,” said Muratsuchi. “For decades we had a bipartisan agreement to keep educational institutions, schools, campuses, free from immigration enforcement activities.”

The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until Oct. 12 to sign it into law. If approved, it will take effect immediately and remain in place until 2031.

The SAFE Act is part of a broader set of California proposals aimed at protecting immigrant communities, including measures to prevent enforcement officers from entering nonpublic areas of schools or hospitals without a warrant. The legislation follows high-profile incidents, such as the detention of a 15-year-old outside a Los Angeles high school in August, which drew widespread public outrage.

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