Newsom's staff considers plan to support immigrants in response to Trump's deportation efforts
An internal memo acquired by POLITICO reveals that the governor's office is exploring various options to assist undocumented immigrants and their families.
TroibNews 
SACRAMENTO, California — The administration of California Governor Gavin Newsom is working on a potential strategy to assist undocumented immigrants who may face threats from incoming President Donald Trump’s mass deportation promises. This includes offering resources for finding legal aid.
A draft plan, titled “Immigrant Support Network Concept,” was obtained by PMG and suggests establishing an Immigrant Support Network made up of regional ‘hubs.’ These hubs would aim to connect at-risk individuals, their families, and communities with vital community systems such as legal services, schools, labor unions, and local governments.
While the draft lacks detailed information and is still under review, it mentions that these hubs would provide referrals to service providers, share “critical” information, and gather insights about community needs to help synchronize policies across the state.
This initiative marks one of the early responses from a significant Democratic state regarding how to counter the Trump administration on immigration issues, especially as party leaders grapple with this crucial electoral matter.
The draft is part of broader preparations by Newsom and other prominent California Democrats for a possible second Trump administration that is expected to confront the state’s progressive policies. For example, shortly after the election, Newsom called a special legislative session to secure an additional $25 million in state funds for potential federal litigation.
Newson and his supporters are particularly worried about Trump’s promises of mass deportations and the implications for California, which hosts the largest population of undocumented individuals in the nation.
According to the draft, the California Department of Social Services would oversee the distribution of state funds to qualified nonprofits and would also handle administrative responsibilities for the hubs. While the draft does not specify the total funding needed, it notes that resources would be allocated for “community outreach, partnership, legal services staffing positions, and approved administrative costs associated with hub operations.”
The draft indicates that the Department of Social Services is still assessing the interest in the program while also working on an implementation timeline and funding needs. An official plan is expected to be announced by mid-January.
In response to inquiries regarding the draft, Department spokesperson Theresa Mier stated, “The administration continues to collaborate with the Legislature to finalize a thoughtful special session funding proposal, which is on track to be signed into law before January 20, 2025.”
Meanwhile, state senators and immigration advocates are pushing for the allocation of additional funds beyond the initial $25 million during the special session.
Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener has proposed legislation looking for $60 million, which includes resources for establishing an immigrant detention representation and coordination program. Notably, the immigrant support draft does not address immigrant detention specifically, though it does mention “legal services.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
A draft plan, titled “Immigrant Support Network Concept,” was obtained by PMG and suggests establishing an Immigrant Support Network made up of regional ‘hubs.’ These hubs would aim to connect at-risk individuals, their families, and communities with vital community systems such as legal services, schools, labor unions, and local governments.
While the draft lacks detailed information and is still under review, it mentions that these hubs would provide referrals to service providers, share “critical” information, and gather insights about community needs to help synchronize policies across the state.
This initiative marks one of the early responses from a significant Democratic state regarding how to counter the Trump administration on immigration issues, especially as party leaders grapple with this crucial electoral matter.
The draft is part of broader preparations by Newsom and other prominent California Democrats for a possible second Trump administration that is expected to confront the state’s progressive policies. For example, shortly after the election, Newsom called a special legislative session to secure an additional $25 million in state funds for potential federal litigation.
Newson and his supporters are particularly worried about Trump’s promises of mass deportations and the implications for California, which hosts the largest population of undocumented individuals in the nation.
According to the draft, the California Department of Social Services would oversee the distribution of state funds to qualified nonprofits and would also handle administrative responsibilities for the hubs. While the draft does not specify the total funding needed, it notes that resources would be allocated for “community outreach, partnership, legal services staffing positions, and approved administrative costs associated with hub operations.”
The draft indicates that the Department of Social Services is still assessing the interest in the program while also working on an implementation timeline and funding needs. An official plan is expected to be announced by mid-January.
In response to inquiries regarding the draft, Department spokesperson Theresa Mier stated, “The administration continues to collaborate with the Legislature to finalize a thoughtful special session funding proposal, which is on track to be signed into law before January 20, 2025.”
Meanwhile, state senators and immigration advocates are pushing for the allocation of additional funds beyond the initial $25 million during the special session.
Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener has proposed legislation looking for $60 million, which includes resources for establishing an immigrant detention representation and coordination program. Notably, the immigrant support draft does not address immigrant detention specifically, though it does mention “legal services.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
