State Prepares for Legal Battles Over Immigration and Policy Clashes
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation on Friday allocating $50 million to defend the state’s policies from legal challenges by the Trump administration and to support immigrants facing potential deportation. The move signals California’s renewed resistance to federal policies as President Donald Trump’s second term unfolds.
One law directs $25 million to the California Department of Justice to fund legal battles against the federal government. The other sets aside $25 million, in part, for legal organizations assisting immigrants targeted by Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.
The state’s Democratic leadership argues that the funding is necessary to push back against federal overreach. “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 earlier this week. “That is why we are delivering legislation that will allocate resources to defend Californians from this urgent threat.”
A Renewed Fight Between California and Trump
The legal clashes between California and Trump are nothing new. During his first term, the state filed or joined over 100 lawsuits against his administration, challenging policies on immigration, environmental protections, and civil rights. The state now expects to engage in many of the same legal battles, as the administration takes steps to roll back progressive policies.
The announcement comes just days after Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Trump and members of Congress in an effort to secure federal aid for the devastating wildfires that tore through Southern California in January, killing more than two dozen people. Newsom previously signed a $2.5 billion relief package for fire response, including funds for evacuations, sheltering survivors, and hazardous waste removal. His administration expects the federal government to reimburse a portion of the costs.
Republican Lawmakers Call Fund a ‘Political Stunt’
The decision to allocate funding for legal fights has been met with sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argue that the focus should be on more pressing state issues—especially wildfire recovery.
“This slush fund isn’t about solving any real problems—it’s a political stunt designed to distract from the urgent issues our state faces, and it won’t bode well for fire victims,” said Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones.
Critics have also raised concerns that the money could be used to defend undocumented immigrants with serious felony convictions. Newsom responded by clarifying that the funds are not intended for such cases and encouraged lawmakers to pass additional legislation if further restrictions are needed.
A Costly Legal Strategy Against the Federal Government
California has a history of taking the Trump administration to court. During his first term, the state sued the federal government more than 120 times, spending roughly $42 million on legal battles, according to the attorney general’s office. Annual legal expenses ranged from $2 million to nearly $13 million.
Newsom and other state leaders argue that the legal battles are necessary to protect California’s progressive policies and its most vulnerable residents. “This funding will assist legal groups in safeguarding the civil rights of California’s most vulnerable residents,” Newsom said in a statement.
The governor first announced his plan to allocate funds for legal defense days after Trump won re-election in November. He then convened a special legislative session to fast-track the approval of the bills.
With the legal landscape between California and the federal government set to heat up once again, the state is preparing for a prolonged fight over immigration enforcement, environmental protections, and social policies.
