California Approves $50M to Fight Trump’s Immigration Crackdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Governor Gavin Newsom has signed laws allocating $50 million to defend immigrants and challenge Trump administration policies in court. $25 million will fund legal battles against federal actions, while another $25 million will support immigrants facing deportation. The move comes as Trump ramps up mass deportations, reigniting tensions between California and Washington.
California Approves $50M to Fight Trump’s Immigration Crackdown – Quick Look
- $50M Legal Fund: California will spend $25M fighting Trump’s federal policies and $25M defending immigrants.
- Legal Showdown: Newsom’s move sets the stage for another round of lawsuits against Trump.
- Immigration Battle: The funding supports legal groups assisting immigrants facing deportation.
- Disaster Aid Tension: Newsom signed the bill after meeting with Trump in D.C. to secure wildfire relief.
- GOP Criticism: Republicans call it a political stunt, arguing the money should go toward wildfire recovery.
- History Repeats: California sued Trump over 120 times in his first term, spending $42M on legal battles.
California Approves $50M to Fight Trump’s Immigration Crackdown – Deep Look
Newsom Signs Laws to Defend California Against Trump’s Policies
The funding breakdown:
- $25 million for California’s Department of Justice to fight legal battles against the federal government.
- $25 million to support immigrants facing deportation, including funding for legal defense groups.
The move is part of California’s broader resistance to Trump’s agenda, as mass deportations and policy rollbacks take center stage in his second term.
“Californians are being threatened by an out-of-control administration that doesn’t care about the Constitution and thinks there are no limits to its power,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D).
Trump vs. California: A Renewed Battle Over Immigration and Policy
During Trump’s first term, California was one of his fiercest opponents, challenging his policies on:
- Climate change
- Water rights
- Immigration
- Healthcare
The state sued the Trump administration over 120 times, spending about $42 million in legal fees.
Now, with Trump back in the White House, Newsom is preparing for another round of legal fights, arguing that California must protect its residents from federal overreach.
Republicans Slam Funding, Call It a “Political Stunt”
California Republicans have fiercely criticized the new funding, accusing Newsom of playing politics instead of focusing on wildfire recovery and other urgent issues.
“This slush fund isn’t about solving any real problems — it’s a political stunt,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R).
The backlash comes as Newsom returns from Washington, where he met with Trump and Congress to secure federal disaster aid for victims of the devastating January wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Will California Defend Convicted Felons? Newsom Responds
One of the most controversial aspects of the funding bill is whether it could be used to defend undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
Critics argue that the legislation does not explicitly prevent the money from being used in such cases.
However, Newsom pushed back, saying:
“This funding is about safeguarding the civil rights of California’s most vulnerable residents.”
He added that if further clarifications are needed, lawmakers could pass additional legislation.
California’s History of Legal Fights Against Trump
California set legal records during Trump’s first presidency, becoming the most litigious state in opposition to his administration.
Legal battles included:
- Blocking federal immigration raids.
- Defending sanctuary city policies.
- Suing over environmental rollbacks.
- Challenging Trump’s border wall funding.
With Trump now pushing an aggressive deportation agenda, Newsom is once again positioning California as a national leader in resisting his policies.
What’s Next? More Legal Battles on the Horizon
While Republicans argue the funding is wasteful, Democrats say it is necessary to protect California residents from Trump’s mass deportation plans and policy rollbacks.
With Trump’s administration expected to ramp up federal enforcement, California’s $50 million legal fund will likely be only the beginning of another years-long battle between Sacramento and Washington.
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