Bill to Restrict the Use of Military-Style Weapons in Protests and Immigration Enforcement Clears Fiscal…
a key committee before a vote on the Assembly Floor. SB 937 aims to protect communities from the dangerous use of military-style weapons in immigration enforcement and crowd control scenarios.
Flash-bang grenades are explosive pyrotechnic devices originally developed for military use that can be deployed by hand or as projectiles. They produce a blinding flash of light, sudden loud noise, blast overpressure, and in some cases disperse rubber shrapnel or balls. Explosive breaching charges, including detonating cords, sheet explosives, and shaped charges, can be used to forcibly enter buildings by destroying doors, windows, or other barriers. Although these devices are often classified as “less lethal,” they pose a significant danger to the public and to peace officers when used improperly or deployed in an unsafe manner.
Concerns about the use of flash-bang devices and explosive breaching charges are underscored by documented incidents showing just how dangerous these weapons can be. In July 2025, the Los Angeles Times reported about multiple people who suffered serious injuries involving less-lethal weapons. Among them was Sergio Espejo, who described running down the street, bleeding and calling for help after a flash-bang device struck him, severely injuring his hand. He later underwent emergency surgery and had an index finger amputated.
In Huntington Park, a family experienced the trauma and terror of these weapons inside their own home when federal agents used an explosive breaching charge to blow open a door and window while the mother was sleeping with her baby—her two children who were inside were ages six and one. The mother recalled acting quickly to move her baby out of harm’s way as the explosion went off and getting both children on the ground for cover.
“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 over and over again, especially in immigration enforcement operations, an alarming and dangerous use of force and fear tactics. SB 937 says no more—we’re putting stronger safeguards in place to prevent unnecessary harm and protect the public. Today, we are one step closer to making these critical protections law, and we will keep fighting to ensure our communities are safe.”
“We're pleased to see SB 937 advance out of Senate Appropriations, and are honored to stand with Senator Gonzalez as she fights for important protections for our neighborhoods. This bill takes an important step, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership toward protecting our most vulnerable community members from the harm caused by flash-bang grenades and explosive breaching devices,” said Shayna Englin, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the California Community Foundation.
Senate Bill (SB) 937 would place strong restrictions on 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.
For more details about the legislation visit: https://bit.ly/SB937-FactSheet
The bill now advances to the Assembly Floor, bringing it one step closer to the Governor’s desk.
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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.
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