Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved over 20 new bills aimed at challenging federal immigration practices in California. The legislation includes measures to prevent law enforcement from using electric shock gloves and face coverings at immigration enforcement actions.
These bills are a response to tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, such as facial concealment and arrests outside immigration hearings. The state seeks to enhance scrutiny of federal detention centers within its borders.
“Trump has prioritized political interests over the health, safety, and livelihood of American families,” Newsom stated. “California is stepping up to enhance transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement,” he added.
The governor has also enacted legislation prohibiting law enforcement in the state from using electric shock gloves, a decision driven by reports of the Department of Homeland Security planning a $20 million purchase of these gloves for agents.
Assembly Bill 1801 mandates that local governments hold public hearings and wait at least 180 days before any approval related to building or converting facilities into immigration detention centers. This aims to improve oversight of detention centers and slow their development.
Moreover, Newsom signed a 25% tax on companies running immigration detention centers in California. Private prison companies like GEO Group and CoreCivic, which operate under federal contracts, will feel the impact of this tax.
Sen. Scott Wiener introduced the No Kings Act, facilitating lawsuits against federal agents over civil rights violations. This law closes an existing loophole that exempted federal officials from regulations that already apply to state and local entities.
Another bill by Wiener prohibits ICE agents and other law enforcement from wearing masks while on duty. This follows a previous effort blocked by a federal judge, prompting legislation that now includes state police.
In response to the accumulating reports of in-custody deaths and poor conditions at ICE facilities, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta’s office has identified issues such as overcrowding, delayed medical care, and substandard food quality. The new laws indefinitely extend the attorney general’s authority to review private detention centers.