California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he will veto a proposed bill to prevent the state’s prison system from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The bill, AB 15, seeks to restrict the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from responding to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests, including holding inmates for transfer into federal custody.
Newsom vetoed a similar bill in 2023, arguing that current state laws already strike the right balance between public safety and community trust.
His decision aligns with some Republican state lawmakers, who argue that taxpayers should not bear the responsibility of housing undocumented individuals who have committed crimes.
The bill’s supporters, including Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gipson, D-Los Angeles, have not responded publicly to the governor’s stance.
In a move that looks contradictory, Newsom recently approved a $25 million allocation for legal services supporting illegal immigrants but signaled that future legislation should ensure the funds are not used to protect convicted felons from deportation.
On one hand, he aims to “Trump-proof” California; yet, he is defying his own Democratic lawmakers by collaborating with the Trump administration. This suggests he might be positioning himself as a centrist, potentially paving the way for a future presidential run.
