California Pushes Back Against Federal Immigration Policies with New Legislation
On September 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed multiple bills aimed at countering the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures. These include bans on electric shock gloves and restrictions on law enforcement face coverings after previous legislation was blocked by a federal judge.
The governor approved more than 20 bills. These bills aim to challenge tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, such as the use of facial coverings and making arrests outside immigration hearings. The bills also focus on enhancing state oversight of federal detention centers within California.
“Trump has put his political interests above the health, safety, and livelihood of American families. California is taking action to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight around immigration enforcement in our state,” Newsom stated. “This is about stepping up where the federal government has failed our communities. We will continue protecting our people, upholding the rule of law, and making clear that if the federal government operates in California, we will hold them accountable.”
One key piece of legislation bans the use of electric shock gloves by law enforcement in the state. This was rapidly introduced following reports of the Department of Homeland Security planning a $20 million investment in these gloves.
Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) authored the “No Kings Act”, which simplifies the process for residents to sue federal agents for civil rights violations, including racial profiling and unlawful searches. Wiener’s other bill prohibits ICE agents and other law enforcement from wearing face coverings while on duty.
Several bills signed by Newsom aim to enhance oversight at immigration detention centers, including AB 1801, which mandates that municipalities wait 180 days and conduct public hearings before approving plans for new or converted detention centers.
Another bill, a 25% tax on companies operating immigration detention centers in California, is estimated to generate $177 million. Most of these centers are managed by private prison companies under federal contracts.
A new law also requires local agencies to disclose 911 calls made from detention centers. This follows a CalMatters investigation revealing incidents of alleged sexual assaults at Otay Mesa, a detention center in San Diego, were investigated by CoreCivic rather than local law enforcement.
Activists and Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns about the increasing number of in-custody deaths and deteriorating conditions within ICE detention facilities. There have been 57 reported in-custody deaths during Trump’s second term, compared to 26 during the previous four years.
The California Attorney General’s reviews last year found inadequate conditions, including overcrowding and poor medical care. Governor Newsom has extended indefinitely the duty for the attorney general to review private detention centers, a mandate initially set to expire next year.