In a decisive response to the aggressive immigration raids orchestrated by the Trump administration, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a comprehensive package of bills aimed at enhancing protections for immigrants across various sectors, including schools and hospitals. This legislative action, taken on Saturday, comes amid growing concerns over the tactics employed by federal agents, particularly in Southern California.
During a press conference held at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex in Los Angeles, Newsom expressed his disapproval of President Trump's approach to immigration enforcement, likening the current climate to a “dystopian sci-fi movie.” He criticized the actions of masked federal agents who have been apprehending immigrants without legal status, stating, “We’re not North Korea.”
Newsom framed the new legislation as a necessary pushback against what he termed the “secret police” tactics employed by Trump and his senior advisor, Stephen Miller, who has been pivotal in the administration's heightened immigration enforcement in Democrat-led cities.
Among the bills signed is SB 98, authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Alhambra), which mandates that school administrators inform families and students if federal agents conduct immigration operations on K-12 or college campuses. Additionally, Assembly Bill 49, designed by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hills Estates), prohibits immigration agents from entering nonpublic areas of schools without a judicial warrant or court order. This law also bars school districts from sharing information about students, their families, teachers, and school employees with immigration authorities without a warrant.
Another significant piece of legislation, Senate Bill 81, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley), protects patient privacy by preventing healthcare officials from disclosing a patient’s immigration status or birthplace to immigration authorities without legal authorization. Furthermore, Senate Bill 627, introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Arreguín, specifically targets the presence of masked federal immigration officers who have been detaining migrants at public locations like Home Depots and car washes.
Wiener has voiced concerns that the use of anonymous, masked officers symbolizes a shift toward authoritarianism, undermining trust between law enforcement and the community. The new law would apply to both local and federal officers; however, it notably exempts state police, including the California Highway Patrol, a decision that has not been publicly clarified by Wiener. Trump’s immigration officials argue that wearing masks is crucial for protecting the identities and safety of immigration agents.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has urged Governor Newsom to veto Wiener’s bill, which is anticipated to face legal challenges from the federal government. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of DHS, described the legislation as “despicable,” particularly the rhetoric equating federal agents to “secret police.”
The enactment of these bills has already ignited tensions between state and federal officials. Just hours before signing the legislation, Newsom’s office made a provocative statement on social media, hinting at repercussions for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. In response, Bill Essayli, the acting U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, condemned Newsom’s remarks, asserting that his office maintains a strict policy against threats against government officials.
Legal experts have raised questions regarding the enforceability of these laws, citing the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal law supersedes state law. Essayli emphasized that California lacks jurisdiction over federal immigration operations, indicating that any regulation of federal agents would require congressional action.
In light of California's ongoing challenges in curtailing federal immigration enforcement, it is noteworthy that other states are also exploring similar measures to limit the use of masks by federal agents. For instance, Connecticut recently enacted a law prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing masks in state courthouses unless medically necessary.
On Saturday, Newsom also signed Senate Bill 805, which targets immigration officers in plainclothes who fail to properly identify themselves. This law requires such officers to display their agency along with a badge number or name, with certain exemptions.
As these legislative measures unfold, they signify California's commitment to protecting immigrant communities amidst a climate of aggressive federal immigration enforcement.
