SACRAMENTO, CA – On August 26, 2026, Senator Lena Gonzalez’s (D-Long Beach) Senate Bill (SB) 937 passed the Legislature and now heads to the Governor’s desk for a signature. SB 937 will limit the use of flash-bang devices for crowd control and prohibit the use of flash-bangs and explosive breaching charges for immigration enforcement.

Flash-bang devices, also known as stun grenades, are explosive pyrotechnic devices developed for military use that produce a blinding flash of light, loud noise, and in some cases disperse rubber shrapnel or balls. Explosive breaching devices are specialized tactical weapons containing explosives designed to rapidly breach doors, walls, and windows. Despite being dubbed “less-lethal,” flash-bangs have caused numerous serious injuries to both law enforcement officers and people targeted by these weapons. 

Among those who suffered at the hands of an improperly deployed flash-bang was Sergio Espejo, a young man in Los Angeles who was struck directly by a grenade. Mr. Espejo underwent emergency surgery and had his finger amputated. In a separate incident in Huntington Park, federal agents used an explosive breaching charge to blow open a door and window on a home while a mother was inside with her two young children. No person inside the home was armed or posed any threat to the officers on-scene.

As federal immigration enforcement continues in communities across the state, reported uses of these military-style weapons continue to grow, spreading fear and putting California families in danger. SB 937 would restrict the use of flash-bang grenades and explosive breaching charges by law enforcement, including during immigration enforcement operations, while establishing stronger safety, training, and accountability standards for their use. It would also require any deployment of a flash-bang grenade for crowd control to be documented and made public on the Department of Justice’s use-of-force database. 

“Families should not have to fear military-style weapons being deployed in their homes, parks, streets, or neighborhoods,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez. “Yet we continue to see, especially in immigration enforcement operations, an alarming and dangerous use of force and fear tactics. SB 937 says no more—we’re strengthening safeguards to protect the public, prevent unnecessary harm, and establish clear restrictions on these dangerous weapons. Today, we are one step closer to making these critical protections law, and we will keep fighting to ensure our communities are safe.”

SB 937 is a California Legislative Latino Caucus priority bill and is supported by a broad coalition of community-based organizations, immigrant and civil rights advocates, and legal service providers. Read what supporters are saying:

"We celebrate the passage of SB 937, which protects public safety and safeguards the fundamental right of communities to make their voices heard. By establishing modest, common-sense rules for the use of flash-bang grenade-style devices and explosive breaching charges, this bill takes important steps forward,” said Shayna Englin, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy for the California Community Foundation. “We are grateful for Senator Gonzalez's leadership, and we look forward to continuing to work together to further strengthen community safety for all Californians.”

"Military-style weapons are tools of war, and they have no place being used by immigration agents in our communities. The use of these weapons endangers the health, safety and rights of California families and communities,” said Chloe Hermosillo, Government Affairs Manager of California Immigrant Policy Center. "We commend Senator Gonzalez for her leadership in holding the line to uphold the dignity of Californians exercising their right to peacefully protest, and we urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 937."

For more information about SB 937, visit: bit.ly/SB937-FactSheet 

SB 937 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Governor Newsom has until September 30, 2026 to sign legislation. 

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Senator Lena Gonzalez proudly represents one million residents in California’s 33rd Senate District, which encompasses Southeast Los Angeles, the City and Port of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Catalina Island. She serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and is a dedicated advocate on key priorities that impact Californians from economic development and environmental justice to LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, digital equity and more. Senator Gonzalez has championed major policies, including broadband for all, expanding paid sick leave, advancing clean transportation incentives, and ending neighborhood oil drilling. She lives in Long Beach with her family. To learn more, visit www.sen.ca.gov/gonzalez.

Since 1915, CCF has served Los Angeles County as a public charitable organization dedicated to leading systemic change that strengthens communities. Managing $2.3 billion in assets and overseeing 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies, CCF’s mission is to invest in, partner with and amplify the power of community toward a good life.

The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is a constituent-based statewide immigrant rights organization with offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento and Fresno and a leading immigrant rights institution in the state. CIPC advocates for policies that uphold the humanity of immigrants and refugees while advancing racial, social and economic justice.