California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a package of laws aimed at pushing back against the current president’s hardline immigration policies, which include plans for a large-scale deportation program.

Among the measures is a first-of-its-kind ban preventing federal and local officers from wearing masks during operations, as well as restrictions on their access to schools and hospitals without a court order.

“Immigrants have rights, and we have the right to defend them,” Newsom said in Los Angeles as he signed the bills, drawing comparisons to the “resistance” measures California adopted during Trump’s first term.

 

🚨 IZQUIERDAZOO del Gobernador de California @CAgovernor al Racista de Trump

Acaba de pasar una ley para prohibir que los agentes de #ICE anden enmascarados y ahora tendrán que portar su nombre en el uniforme también... pic.twitter.com/WVAjJ09LGI

— La Catrina Norteña (@catrina_nortena) September 22, 2025

The federal administration criticized the laws even before their approval, calling the mask ban “despicable.” Local police associations also voiced opposition, arguing the law would impact state officers more than federal agents.

While experts warn that enforcing the new rules could face legal challenges, supporters contend the measures send both a political and moral message in defense of immigrant communities in California.

 

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