California grants money for immigration legal defense

manager Gavin Newsom plans on Friday to announce the distribution of state funding for removal protection and other services for immigrants affected by the Trump administration’s detention and massive deportation program.

His office is awarding $35 million that the Legislature set aside in the state budget to help 33 philanthropic partners connect immigrant families with legal support, food assistance and other basic needs and resources.

“When federal actions create fear and instability, it’s our responsibility to show up for families. This investment strengthens local partners who are helping people access legal services and meet basic needs during an incredibly difficult time,” said Kim Johnson, secretary of the California Department of Health and Human Services.

California found money for the support despite severe budget constraints. Newsom’s office expects a $2.9 billion deficit in the next budget year, and the state limited healthcare for unauthorized immigrants this year to help resolve a larger deficit in 2025.

A spokesman for Newsom said the governor has heard directly from immigrant families and community leaders. “People are afraid to leave their homes, they are afraid to go to school or work and they can’t afford groceries,” the spokesman said. CalMatters reported on families in agricultural worker communities who are deprived of critical medical care.

CalMatters also reported how many people are deported without first being able to contact immigration attorneys or members of their families.

MP Carl DeMaioRepublican from San Diego, called the distribution of funds “absurd.”

“If you get audited by the IRS and it’s found that you owe money and taxes, as a citizen, you wouldn’t be able to say, ‘Well, I want a free lawyer to fight the federal government,'” DeMaio said.

State Senator Lena Gonzalezchairman of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and a Long Beach Democrat, said the funding means Democrats are standing with immigrant families.

“The federal government is waging war on our communities — and we will not accept it,” she said. “We’re putting money into our efforts to stop the fear, to stop the separation of our families and to stop violating our basic rights.”

President Donald Trump campaigned on the promise of the largest deportation effort in US history. He signed a budget bill in June that includes $170 billion for immigration enforcement, detention and deportation efforts over four years. This record federal investment is designed to facilitate the deportation of up to 1 million people a year.

State funds earmarked for immigration legal services come with restrictions that prevent the money from being used to help people with serious or serious felony convictions fight deportations. California’s asylum law does not prevent state prison staff from transferring people who have been convicted of violent or serious crimes to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.

Some of the funding could go to train California immigration attorneys on federal habeas papers. Hundreds of federal judges in the United States have presided over the Trump administration detains people illegallybut the federal courts are the only way to release clients.