CalMatters Faces Taxes, Lawsuits, and Bans Challenges
California lawmakers are advancing a series of measures aimed at challenging aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics. This legislative effort comes on the heels of concerns regarding civil rights violations and escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies.
New Legislative Initiatives to Confront Federal Actions
On January 21, 2026, a tragic incident involving federal immigration agents occurred in Willowbrook, Los Angeles. The situation escalated when authorities shot at a vehicle fleeing from the agents, spurring further scrutiny of federal practices.
In response, California Democratic Senators Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab introduced the “No Kings Act.” This bill seeks to facilitate lawsuits against federal agents for civil rights violations. The proposal gained momentum following the shooting of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, in Minnesota. During a 90-minute floor discussion, the Senate passed the bill with a vote of 30 to 10, purely along party lines.
“It’s disappointing that this is a partisan issue,” Wiener expressed. He emphasized the importance of constitutional rights for all residents, regardless of their political affiliation.
Key Proposals on Immigration Enforcement
Lawmakers are also considering several other key bills aimed at protecting immigrant communities:
- No Moonlighting as a Federal Agent: Assemblymember Isaac Bryan has proposed a bill prohibiting local law enforcement officers from taking second jobs with federal immigration agencies.
- Protecting Courthouse Access: Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes introduced legislation to prevent federal agents from making indiscriminate arrests in courthouses.
- Tax on Detention Centers: Assemblymember Matt Haney has proposed a 50% tax on profits from immigration detention facilities.
These legislative measures follow previous laws enacted by Governor Gavin Newsom to counter federal immigration efforts, including prohibiting unmarked vehicles and restricting federal access to schools and hospitals.
Community Impact and Legislative Response
Shiu-Ming Cheer, deputy director at the California Immigrant Policy Center, remarked on the urgency of these proposals. She stated that they provide practical solutions within the state’s control to address immigration enforcement challenges.
However, not all responses to these initiatives are positive. Critics argue that these actions overstep state boundaries and interfere with federal priorities. Republican State Senator Tony Strickland voiced concerns, suggesting that California should focus on more immediate local issues instead of hypothetical federal scenarios.
Despite the criticism, California continues to push forward. As the Trump administration intensifies its immigration strategies, state officials are expressing their commitment to supporting immigrant communities. This illustrates a growing determination among California legislators to resist aggressive federal enforcement tactics and uphold civil rights.
