California lawmakers have introduced a $15 million proposal to fund nonprofits aiding illegal immigrants in avoiding deportation. This effort is part of a larger $60 million package designed to counter policies expected from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The funding plan arrives as the state grapples with mounting deficits projected to reach $20 billion by 2026.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called for the spending during a special legislative session on Dec. 3. The proposal includes $10 million for the Department of Social Services to provide grants to organizations offering immigration legal services. Groups like Al Otro Lado and Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, known for challenging federal immigration enforcement, would likely benefit from this funding.
Another $5 million would go to the California Access to Justice Commission to coordinate pro bono legal services for detained individuals and improve data protection for vulnerable populations. Critics argue these funds may prioritize illegal immigrants over struggling taxpayers.
California’s sanctuary laws, enacted in 2017, prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in most cases. Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have pledged to expand these protections, encouraging state entities to resist federal immigration inquiries.
Despite concerns about fiscal responsibility, state Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D) defended the plan as essential for safeguarding California’s “progress and policies.” He stated the funding would bolster legal defenses for communities facing heightened federal scrutiny under Trump.
Budget analyst Gabriel Petek recently warned lawmakers against new financial commitments, citing the state’s worsening deficit. However, the proposal has gained traction, with supporters framing it as a necessary step to protect vulnerable populations.
As the legislature prepares to vote on the plan next month, critics question whether California’s commitment to immigration defense aligns with the state’s financial realities. The outcome will signal the state’s priorities amid growing fiscal challenges.
