1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Please vote YES on AB 1650 to make ICE rental vehicles identifiable. ICE in California has created an environment of profound terror. Driving rental vehicles with no identifiers around and kidnapping people is a huge contributor to that and is antithetical to the premise of public safety. Per the bill's language, "Public safety depends in substantial part on the clear, immediate, and reliable identification of vehicles operated for law enforcement purposes. Members of the public must be able to readily distinguish vehicles exercising police authority, particularly those engaged in detaining, transporting, or otherwise exercising custody over an individual, from ordinary vehicles. The use of rental vehicles by law enforcement agencies, while often necessary for operational flexibility, can create ambiguity when those vehicles lack standardized visual indicators of official status. Absent clear identification, individuals may be uncertain whether they are being lawfully stopped or approached by legitimate authorities, which can lead to escalation of conflict, delays in compliance, or unsafe interactions." Being approached by masked men with gear acquired on Amazon storming out of an unmarked vehicle does not communicate safety, and instead conveys absolute terror. Please support the quick passage of this legislation and vote YES.