California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several bills aimed at protecting immigrants from the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation program. The measures include prohibiting immigration enforcement officers from wearing masks, limiting their access to schools and hospitals, and requiring them to identify themselves while conducting duties.
The laws echo California’s “sanctuary law” passed during the previous administration, which limited local law enforcement cooperation with immigration agents. Newsom signed the legislation in response to President Trump’s promise of a historic deportation effort and assault on sanctuary-style policies.
Some lawmakers argue that the laws will have little impact on federal immigration enforcement operations, but others believe they will provide some hope and optimism for communities feeling vulnerable under the Trump administration’s actions.
Key provisions of the package include:
* Prohibiting schools from allowing immigration enforcement officers on campus without a warrant
* Widely prohibiting federal and local law enforcement officers from wearing face masks while conducting their duties
* Requiring law enforcement officers to identify themselves while conducting their duties, with some exceptions
Critics argue that the laws will apply mostly to local police, rather than federal agents, and may be unconstitutional. Some law enforcement groups oppose the bills, citing concerns about interfering with federal operations.
Despite opposition, Newsom maintains that the laws are a necessary step in pushing back against the Trump administration’s policies. “Immigrants have rights, and we have the right to stand up and push back,” he said.
Source: https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/09/newsom-new-immigration-laws