SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have launched a new website for California residents to report potentially illegal actions by federal agents. The online tool allows the public to submit video or photo evidence, which the state may use to take legal action.
State leaders created the tool after a person died during an encounter with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. That event sparked nationwide concerns about how federal agents treat the public. To help residents understand their rights, the state is also providing "Know Your Rights" fact sheets in 15 languages, including Tagalog, Arabic, Farsi, and Punjabi.
Upcoming Senate Vote
California is rolling out these protections just as officials in Washington, D.C., prepare for a major vote. During the week of January 24, 2026, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on a plan to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol.
The current proposal does not explain how these agencies will spend the money or set rules for how agents must treat the public. State officials worry that a lack of clear standards could lead to agents abusing their power or breaking the law.
State Protections and Requirements
California law currently limits how much local and state police can help with federal immigration raids. State law prevents local police from helping federal agents unless the person involved has been convicted of a dangerous crime. Officials believe these rules help protect the public and keep families together.
Under California law, federal agents must also show a warrant signed by a judge or a court order before they can enter classrooms or private hospital areas. This requirement helps protect student and medical records from federal immigration agents.
Economic Forecasts and Impact
California is launching these programs as economic experts warn that immigration enforcement could hurt the state's economy. A forecast from economists at the UCLA Anderson School of Management predicts California’s economy will shrink in late 2026.
The report points to the effects of global tariffs — taxes on imported goods — and immigration enforcement in cities like Los Angeles. It notes that these actions could hurt several industries, including farming, construction, hotels, and restaurants.
Other research shows that mass deportations could cause a $275 billion drop in the state’s economy and cost $23 billion in tax money each year. Records show undocumented immigrants in California contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022.
To address these economic and community concerns, Governor Newsom met with business and faith leaders in the Los Angeles area earlier this year to discuss how federal policies affect their neighborhoods.
