California Bill Requiring Video Footage of ICE Activity at Retail Stores Stalls in Legislature

A California bill aimed at making large retailers like Home Depot provide video footage of ICE activity on their premises has stalled in the state legislature. Introduced by Senator Sasha Pérez, the REPAIR Act of 2026 was a compromise between day laborer advocates and Home Depot representatives who had previously met to discuss how to address the fear among day laborers following immigration raids last summer.

The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) co-sponsored the bill after their representatives met with Home Depot executives in July 2025. Chris Newman, general counsel of NDLON, stated that the retailer did not seem willing to negotiate in good faith, leading the organization to take the fight to the Capitol.

The bill failed to secure enough votes to advance out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday. While the California Retailers Association, which represents Home Depot among other companies, opposed the bill due to specific provisions, they did not oppose its broader goal and appreciated Senator Pérez's willingness to work with retailers.