For Immediate Release
February 20th, 2025
Contact: media@saldef.org
SALDEF Champions SB 509: Protecting Communities Against Transnational Repression
Sacramento, CA — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund) extends our gratitude to California State Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-14) for introducing SB 509 in the 2025-26 legislative session.
This bill takes a crucial first step in combating transnational repression faced by diasporic communities worldwide, including Sikh Americans, and ensuring the protection of American sovereignty and freedom of speech. It not only defines transnational repression as a grave human rights violation from which Californians must be protected, but it also mandates training for state and local law enforcement to recognize and respond to these violations effectively.
During the 2023-24 legislative session, SALDEF and partners, including the Jakara Movement, the American Sikh Caucus Committee, and the Sikh Coalition, collaborated with Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-35) to introduce related legislation, which received unanimous support from the Assembly Committee on Emergency Services following testimony from Assemblymember Bains and SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh.
“In the early days of this new California legislative session, Senator Caballero has reignited an important effort with the introduction of SB 509 as we remain committed to combating the ongoing threat of transnational repression,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “If enacted into law, SB 509 will be a validation of our extensive effort to advance policy-based defenses against transnational repression. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to champion Senator Caballero’s efforts to establish California as the first U.S. state to formally oppose transnational repression.”