California is making some big moves ahead of Trump’s return to the White House. With his inauguration just a week away, the state has finalized a $50 million plan to strengthen legal defenses against what many fear could be aggressive federal actions, like mass deportations. Half of that money is specifically set aside to fight any plans to round up and deport immigrants on a large scale.
This is a pretty bold move, and it’s the first of its kind in the U.S. It puts California in the lead when it comes to standing up to Trump during his second term. But, as you can probably guess, not everyone’s happy about it. Republicans are already slamming state leaders, saying they should be focused on the raging wildfires in Southern California instead of what they see as a politically charged fight.
Here’s the deal: $25 million of the funding was originally proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom to beef up the state’s Department of Justice. This was back in November, right after Trump was re-elected. The other $25 million came from state Senate leaders, and it’s aimed at supporting immigrants directly—things like legal aid, defending people from deportation, and even tackling wage theft. That money will go to nonprofits and community groups who are already in the trenches helping immigrants.
State Senator Scott Wiener, who’s been leading the charge on this, put it best: “This funding guarantees California will stand firm against extremist policies targeting our communities.” Wiener’s been pretty vocal about stepping up for vulnerable groups, and you can tell he’s not messing around.
The state legislature is moving quickly on this, with votes expected this week. Newsom wants to get the deal signed before Trump officially takes office on January 20. It’s clear they’re trying to get ahead of the curve, but not everyone thinks this is the right time to be spending money on legal battles.
Republicans, for one, are furious. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher didn’t hold back, calling the funding a “slush fund” to fight hypothetical problems and defend “criminal illegal immigrants.” He thinks California should be laser-focused on the wildfires devastating Los Angeles instead.
And honestly, it’s not like Newsom and other state leaders haven’t been paying attention to the fires. They’ve been on the ground in Southern California, addressing the disaster as it unfolds. Still, it hasn’t been enough to silence the criticism.
Over the weekend, Newsom said on the “Pod Save America” podcast that he’s open to a special legislative session if it’ll help with wildfire recovery. “I’m happy to do whatever moves the needle forward,” he said. But for now, he seems committed to getting this $50 million plan through.
The urgency around immigration isn’t just about what Trump might do—it’s also based on what’s already happening. Even under Biden, there was a major immigration enforcement operation in the Central Valley recently, and advocates are on edge about what could come next.
Wiener said it’s about being ready to help at scale. “The nonprofits and legal aid providers we’re funding know these communities better than anyone. They’re the best positioned to step in and make a difference,” he explained.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about politics—it’s about real people who could be caught in the crossfire of federal policies. California is making it clear that it’s ready to stand up for them, no matter what.
That said, taking such a strong stance comes with potential challenges. Critics argue that dedicating $50 million to legal fights could stretch resources thin, especially as California faces other crises like wildfires, housing shortages, and infrastructure issues. Some might also question whether these funds will be effective in achieving the desired outcomes or if they’ll merely fuel prolonged legal battles with uncertain results.
There’s also the concern about the message this sends to migrants. While California’s intentions may be to protect those already living in the state, it could inadvertently act as a beacon for others seeking refuge. If migrants interpret this move as an open invitation, it could lead to an influx of people heading to California, further straining public services and exacerbating housing and employment challenges.
Thoughts
Yup, lets set up a State fund to fight the President trying to deport illegal migrants (accused or convicted of other violent crimes, as these are the top priority for them to deport) ... while the State continues to burn down.
Beyond pathetic... insufferable.
But of course that's not what the fund is to be used for... Maybe do a little research
When I have expressed disagreement with the legislative actions of various States, I have been met with the chorus of..."states rights". And if the citizens of any given State should disagree with what their elected leaders are doing well they have recourse to vote them out. How is this any different?
I should be outraged by California's legislative action but not the fact that Idaho is airlifting women out of the state as they are bleeding out because abortion is illegal?
I didn't express disagreement with California's stance; I simply relayed unbiased information reported, mainly sourced from Politico. I'm not sure what you mean about state rights. My post doesn't take a stance on California's reported position. It is true citizens have the right to choose representatives via their vote. I assume the citizens of California don't need people who do not live in their state offering advice.
Names and dates of women that Idaho has airlifted out of state, because they are bleeding out from lack of an abortion?
Or is this just another gross exaggeration (a lie in simpler terms)?
From one hospital...
St. Luke's hospital in Boise airlifted six patients experiencing pregnancy complications from January 2024 to April 2024.
Idaho's biggest hospital says emergency flights for pregnant patients up sharply....we can anticipate up to 20 patients needing out of state care this year alone," said Dr. Jim Souza, chief physician.
"Is she sick enough? Is she bleeding enough? Is she septic enough for me to do this abortion and not risk going to jail and losing my license?" Souza said doctors ask themselves, during a press call ahead of the Supreme Court hearing. "And when the guessing game gets too uncomfortable, we transfer the patients out at a very high cost to another state where the doctors are allowed to practice medicine."
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/25/12469903 … --in-idaho
https://www.americanprogress.org/articl … airlifted.
Yeah, let's not discuss the democrat incompetence when it comes to the state's wildfires but lets turn it into a discussion on abortion.
Can you say...deflection?
I was asked this direct question by wilderness.
Hmmm. My question was "Names and dates of women that Idaho has airlifted out of state, because they are bleeding out from lack of an abortion?"
Nothing you have presented here indicates either one is true. Don't forget that Idaho has a great many very small towns - towns that when something is badly wrong patients are shipped out. You did not indicate where those patients came from - Boise or Yellow Pine - and you did not indicate just what "Pregnancy Complications" are. While those complications might be "bleeding out" they could just as well be something else, even something not threatening the life of the mother.
This is different because the incompetence of the state of california causes the US taxpayer quite a bit of money. Their incompetence is going to cost the US taxpayer billions.
Good. Hope more states will do the same. There need to be some adults in the room.
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