Meet the Leading Opponent of Trump's Immigration Policies in California
Attorney General Rob Bonta steps into the spotlight as he takes on the Trump administration with California's first lawsuit regarding birthright citizenship, moving beyond the influence of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
TroibNews 
SACRAMENTO, California — President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policy has swiftly positioned Rob Bonta as the state’s leading opponent to such actions.
During Trump’s first term, the California attorney general, then a state legislator, lacked a platform to voice his objections. Later, when Biden took office, Bonta served as a supportive ally within the state Department of Justice. However, his attempts to spearhead lawsuits against oil companies and advocate for abortion rights were largely eclipsed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
With Trump’s threats of widespread deportations, Bonta—an immigrant from the Philippines whom Newsom appointed—has gained significant visibility. Recently, he warned local law enforcement against collaborating with federal agencies when it contradicts state law. He committed to defending undocumented immigrants at a rally in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. Additionally, on Tuesday, he filed a lawsuit against Trump for his executive order targeting birthright citizenship.
As new legislative actions prepare to allocate $25 million to Bonta’s office for legal battles with the White House, and as Trump’s administration gears up for a series of executive measures, Bonta is poised to play a crucial role in the immigration debate.
In contrast, Newsom has been relatively reticent regarding Trump's immigration agenda, allowing Bonta to take the lead in the discourse.
This heightened visibility for Bonta arrives at a critical time as he contemplates whether to enter a crowded race for governor in 2026 or pursue what is likely an easier path to reelection.
Some of Bonta's senior aides have already left his team. Should former Representative Katie Porter enter the governor's race, it would complicate Bonta's prospects, especially if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run, which would likely diminish opportunities for Bonta and other Democratic contenders like Porter.
Regardless of the potential gubernatorial ambitions, this period during Trump’s presidency offers Bonta a chance to enhance his recognition both in California and nationally.
Engaging with Trump could similarly boost Bonta’s profile, drawing parallels to his predecessor, Xavier Becerra, who filed over 120 lawsuits against the Trump administration while serving as attorney general. Becerra left to take on the position of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary in the Biden administration but was also eyeing a 2026 gubernatorial bid.
Bonta's current role is expected to strengthen his reputation within California, although he faces stiff competition for national attention.
More than a dozen other state attorneys general have joined the suit regarding birthright citizenship. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has articulated his personal connection to the matter, critiquing Trump's policies.
Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant critical of Trump who examines immigration politics, noted, “He'll just be one of many to do this, and I'm not too sure California is the right place to lead the fight politically.” He acknowledged that while Bonta’s stances reflect California values, it may not contribute to establishing a national political presence.
This may not affect Bonta’s aspirations at the state level, given that his ambitions are deeply rooted in his own immigration story. Moving from the Philippines to California as a baby, Bonta grew up in a trailer in the Central Valley, where his parents were activists within the United Farm Workers alongside movement icons like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta.
David Chiu, the San Francisco City Attorney and a supporter in the lawsuit for birthright citizenship, highlighted Bonta’s dedication, stating he has been “working around the clock” in recent weeks to prepare for Trump’s anticipated executive orders.
“This issue is incredibly personal to him,” Chiu noted, “starting from his youngest days.”
Shia Kapos contributed to this report.
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Ian Smith for TROIB News
During Trump’s first term, the California attorney general, then a state legislator, lacked a platform to voice his objections. Later, when Biden took office, Bonta served as a supportive ally within the state Department of Justice. However, his attempts to spearhead lawsuits against oil companies and advocate for abortion rights were largely eclipsed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
With Trump’s threats of widespread deportations, Bonta—an immigrant from the Philippines whom Newsom appointed—has gained significant visibility. Recently, he warned local law enforcement against collaborating with federal agencies when it contradicts state law. He committed to defending undocumented immigrants at a rally in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. Additionally, on Tuesday, he filed a lawsuit against Trump for his executive order targeting birthright citizenship.
As new legislative actions prepare to allocate $25 million to Bonta’s office for legal battles with the White House, and as Trump’s administration gears up for a series of executive measures, Bonta is poised to play a crucial role in the immigration debate.
In contrast, Newsom has been relatively reticent regarding Trump's immigration agenda, allowing Bonta to take the lead in the discourse.
This heightened visibility for Bonta arrives at a critical time as he contemplates whether to enter a crowded race for governor in 2026 or pursue what is likely an easier path to reelection.
Some of Bonta's senior aides have already left his team. Should former Representative Katie Porter enter the governor's race, it would complicate Bonta's prospects, especially if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run, which would likely diminish opportunities for Bonta and other Democratic contenders like Porter.
Regardless of the potential gubernatorial ambitions, this period during Trump’s presidency offers Bonta a chance to enhance his recognition both in California and nationally.
Engaging with Trump could similarly boost Bonta’s profile, drawing parallels to his predecessor, Xavier Becerra, who filed over 120 lawsuits against the Trump administration while serving as attorney general. Becerra left to take on the position of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary in the Biden administration but was also eyeing a 2026 gubernatorial bid.
Bonta's current role is expected to strengthen his reputation within California, although he faces stiff competition for national attention.
More than a dozen other state attorneys general have joined the suit regarding birthright citizenship. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has articulated his personal connection to the matter, critiquing Trump's policies.
Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant critical of Trump who examines immigration politics, noted, “He'll just be one of many to do this, and I'm not too sure California is the right place to lead the fight politically.” He acknowledged that while Bonta’s stances reflect California values, it may not contribute to establishing a national political presence.
This may not affect Bonta’s aspirations at the state level, given that his ambitions are deeply rooted in his own immigration story. Moving from the Philippines to California as a baby, Bonta grew up in a trailer in the Central Valley, where his parents were activists within the United Farm Workers alongside movement icons like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta.
David Chiu, the San Francisco City Attorney and a supporter in the lawsuit for birthright citizenship, highlighted Bonta’s dedication, stating he has been “working around the clock” in recent weeks to prepare for Trump’s anticipated executive orders.
“This issue is incredibly personal to him,” Chiu noted, “starting from his youngest days.”
Shia Kapos contributed to this report.
Like this content? Consider signing up for PMG’s California Playbook newsletter.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
