California is quickly becoming the center of the resistance against President-elect Donald Trump's expected immigration policies. California legislators are already busy at work in an effort to, as governor Gavin Newsom has deemed it, "Trump-proof" California, which in practical terms aims to fortify California's legal and political position against expected federal challenges to state laws and initiatives.
On Wednesday, the state reaffirmed its commitment to protecting undocumented residents even further by issuing updated guidance and policies for public institutions to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the updates, emphasizing the state's effort to safeguard immigrants' access to public spaces amid anticipated federal actions under the incoming Trump administration.
"It's true that we're entering days, months and years of uncertainty, but one thing is certain: California will remain the beacon of progress that it has always been," Bonta said at an event at the Bernal Heights Library in San Francisco, according to Axios.
The updated guidance builds on frameworks first introduced in 2018 and is designed to reflect current state and federal laws. It includes protocols for institutions such as schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, and courthouses to respond effectively to potential enforcement actions without compromising their users' rights.
Required policies for some institutions and recommended practices for others include restricting unauthorized data sharing, identifying private spaces, notifying users of privacy rights, and training staff on handling immigration-related requests. These steps aim to prevent fear and mistrust among immigrant communities and ensure safe access to vital public services.
Through the Attorney General's website, Bonta commented:
"No matter who is in the White House, in California, we will continue to lead with California values. California is the most diverse state in the nation, and immigrants are the backbone of our economy, history, and culture. We will not be caught flat-footed if the President-elect follows through on his threats of mass deportation – and we will not allow safe spaces like libraries, hospitals, and courthouses to be co-opted and commandeered for his inhumane immigration agenda"
Bonta also added that his office will use "the full force of the law" to protect the rights of California's immigrants. "We cannot let the Trump deportation machine create a culture of fear and mistrust that prevents immigrants from accessing vital public services," he concluded.
California is home to approximately 1.8 million undocumented immigrants and has sanctuary laws that bar local and state authorities from aiding federal immigration efforts in most cases.
Governor Gavin Newsom has also called for a $25 million legal defense fund to support state agencies in resisting federal actions that conflict with California's laws. This initiative complements the broader legislative efforts to fortify the state's protections for undocumented residents.
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