Democratic lawmaker moves to block charter public schools from emergency funding if ICE raids devastate campuses
SACRAMENTO, CA – In a shocking move, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), chair of the Assembly Education Committee, is advancing a legislative amendment to AB 1348 that would strip charter public schools of critical emergency funding protections — even if immigration enforcement actions upend their school communities.
Currently, AB 1348, authored by Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield), is designed to protect all public schools from losing per-pupil funding if student attendance drops due to raids or actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
But Muratsuchi’s proposed amendment carves out charter public schools — deliberately excluding them from these protections. The result: tens of thousands of immigrant children attending charter public schools would be left vulnerable to devastating funding losses in the wake of immigration raids.
“We are shocked and outraged by Assemblymember Muratsuchi’s deliberate effort to harm immigrant children attending charter public schools in California,” said Myrna Castrejón, President and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA). “Every child deserves to attend a fully funded, safe, and welcoming school — no matter what kind of public school they attend. Muratsuchi’s actions are a direct attack on vulnerable students. We urge him to reverse this cruel and unjust decision.”
Fear of increased immigration enforcement at sensitive locations like schools has already created widespread anxiety among immigrant families. Many charter public school leaders report declines in student attendance linked to this growing fear — a trend that threatens the financial stability of their schools.
In Los Angeles County alone, charter public schools have seen a 27% drop in Average Daily Attendance (ADA) between October 2024 and February 2025. Schools serving communities where Latino populations exceed 50% could experience even deeper losses, exacerbating the financial blow.
"Students from undocumented families deserve the same protections as their peers in traditional public schools," Castrejón added. "Muratsuchi’s actions aren’t just immoral — they’re Trumpian and contrary to California’s values. We will continue to fight alongside Assemblymember Bains to ensure that no child is left behind because of where they go to school."
Media interested in coordinating interviews should contact: Ana Tintocalis, CCSA Managing Director of Public Relations and Creative Services, 916.666.2274, [email protected].
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About the California Charter Schools Association
Championing great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. CCSA endeavors to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high-quality nonprofit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools. Learn more.