Pushing back on Trump agenda, Newsom signs bill targeting immigration enforcement

The new laws impose new restrictions on law enforcement and protections for immigrants.SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday continued his legislative onslaught against the Trump administration, signing several bills targeting federal immigration actions.One high-profile bill that’s now law, Senate Bill 1004, prohibits all law enforcement officers in the state against wearing masks, with some exceptions. Another — Senate Bill 747, called the No Kings Act — enables state residents to sue federal officials for constitutional violations.State Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat and vocal opponent of President Donald Trump, wrote both bills.“When federal agents act lawlessly, they should be held accountable the same as any other lawbreaker,” Wiener said in a statement. “But for too long, a loophole in the law has shielded them from accountability.”Wiener’s bills are two out of several signed by Newsom. Others impose restrictions on shock gloves and flash-bang grenades, and levy a 25% tax on private detention facilities.“Trump has put his political interests above the health, safety and livelihood of American families,” Newsom said in a statement, adding: “California is taking action to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight around immigration enforcement in our state. We will continue protecting our people, upholding the rule of law, and making clear that if the federal government operates in California, we will hold them accountable.”Federal immigration action across the nation, including California, helped spark legislation to rein in the Trump administration. Trump and Newsom have exchanged verbal barbs for months.Newsom’s office said the bills create stronger standards for law enforcement and protect civil rights, as well as families and communities across California.Senate Bill 937 — written by state Senator Lena Gonzalez, a Long Beach Democrat — adds flash-bang grenades to a list of items prohibited for use to disperse protests, with exceptions. Assembly Bill 1627 — by Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, a Martinez Democrat — prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who committed serious misconduct from serving as California police officers or public employees.Assembly Bill 1807 — by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, an Encino Democrat — prohibits state-owned property from being used for immigration enforcement. Additionally, California must identify property immigration authorities likely could use, placing signs, and potentially barriers, stopping that use.The 25% tax on income from companies running immigration detention facilities stems from Assembly Bill 1633 by Assemblymember Matt Haney, a San Francisco Democrat. The revenue gained will fund immigration-related services.“For years, private corporations have made hundreds of millions of dollars locking people up for ICE while California families and communities are left to deal with the consequences,” Haney said in a statement. “Now, California is the first state in the country to say: If you are going to make money off mass detention and family separation in our state, you are going to pay for the harm you cause.”The new laws also provide protections to immigrants.Senate Bil 873 — by state Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, a Colton Democrat — prohibits the civil arrest of someone traveling to or from a courthouse or while at a courthouse. The bill signing falls on the heels of a June decision by a federal judge that blocked a new policy allowing for civil arrests at courthouses.“Justice cannot work when people are afraid to walk through courthouse doors,” Reyes said in a statement. “No victim, witness, or family member should have to choose between seeking justice and risking civil arrest.”Other protections added by the bill signings include Assembly Bill 1994 — by Assemblymember David Alvarez, a San Diego Democrat — called the Defending Immigrant Victims Act.The new law requires law enforcement, along with any agency prosecuting a criminal act, to provide an immigrant victim rights and resources card to crime victims. The cards will contain information about how to remain eligible for certain visas and instructions for consulting an immigration attorney.Categories / Immigration, LawSubscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads