Governor Gavin Newsom announced the allocation of $35 million in state funds to support undocumented immigrants, as the Donald Trump administration ramps up its large-scale deportation program.
According to a press release from the governor's office, these funds were previously approved by the California Legislature in the budget and are now being disbursed to support non-profit organizations providing:
- Food assistance
- Legal services
- Essential resources for immigrant families
This amount is in addition to the legal aid funds the state had previously allocated for individuals facing the risk of deportation.
Statements from California Officials
Newsom stated:
"While the federal government targets working families, California stands with them – mobilizing local partners and resources to support communities."
The governor's office stated that many immigrant families are fearful of leaving their homes, going to work, or taking their children to school.
Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, emphasized that this investment aims to help people access legal services and meet basic needs during this challenging period.
Democratic State Assemblymember Lena Gonzalez called this action a demonstration of "solidarity with immigrant families."
California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas stated:
"California will not stay silent in the face of raids that we believe are cruel and unlawful."
Opposition
Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio criticized the expenditure as "absurd," arguing that American citizens are not provided free legal counsel in federal tax cases.
Federal Context
President Trump campaigned on a promise to tighten immigration and has intensified deportations since returning to the White House.
Last June, he signed a budget bill that includes $170 billion for immigration enforcement, detention, and deportations – with the goal of deporting up to 1 million people per year over four years.
According to CalMatters, California's budget for immigrant legal services does not apply to individuals with serious criminal records or violent offenses, and state law does not prevent the transfer of such individuals to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Budgetary Pressure
The $35 million allocation was announced as California is projected to face a budget deficit of approximately $2.9 billion in the coming fiscal year. The state also reduced some healthcare programs for immigrants this year to offset previous deficits.
