Reports from California legal aid organizations and state audits

California to 'Trump-Proof' Laws, Allocate $25 Million for Legal Defense of Immigrants

Dec 2, 2024, 11:46 AM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has convened an emergency session of the state legislature to 'Trump-proof' California laws ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term. The special session, beginning Monday, aims to protect the state's progressive policies and 'California values,' particularly on immigration and the environment. Gov. Newsom is requesting $25 million to fund the state's Justice Department to prepare for legal battles against the incoming administration's policies. 'It’s not a resistance brand. It’s about pragmatism. It’s about preparedness,' Newsom said. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) stated that California will not cooperate with Trump's deportation plans, emphasizing that state law enforcement has 'no obligation' to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with deportation or identification efforts. 'We’re not going to utilize state and local resources to do the federal government’s job for them,' Padilla said. He announced that California will use taxpayer dollars to fund legal assistance for undocumented immigrants facing deportation, declaring, 'Communities deserve to know what their rights are. This is just the California way. We embrace our diversity.' California, a sanctuary state, is drawing on lessons from Trump's first term. 'We know what happened the last time Donald Trump was president. He vandalized our progress. He vandalized the Constitution,' Newsom said. The state is preparing to challenge Trump's most aggressive policies with a 'battalion of lawyers,' reflecting a broader strategy to resist federal actions that threaten its values. The special legislative session underscores California's commitment to protecting its residents and progressive policies against anticipated federal actions under the Trump administration.