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California Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly exploring a plan to assist undocumented immigrants and their families in anticipation of President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation proposals.
An internal draft obtained by Politico, titled the “Immigrant Support Network Concept,” outlines the creation of regional hubs designed to “connect at-risk individuals, their families, and communities with community systems—such as legal services, schools, labor unions, local governments, etc.”
When reached for comment, Newsom’s office stated that the draft was prepared by the California Department of Social Services but has not been reviewed at the state capital.
“This document is an internal and deliberative draft meant for internal discussions as part of a number of possible considerations given the incoming federal administration’s public remarks,” Scott Murray, Deputy Director for Public Affairs at the Department of Social Services, told Fox News in a statement. “It is not a final proposal.”
Efforts to “Trump-Proof” California
The draft reflects California’s preparation for policies that could emerge under a second Trump administration. In 2016, when Trump was first elected, Newsom called a special legislative session and proposed a $25 million “Trump-proof” legal defense fund for immigrants.
According to Politico, state lawmakers are now pushing for additional funding. Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener has reportedly proposed legislation seeking $60 million for initiatives such as an immigrant detention representation and coordination program.
Proposal Details
Under the draft proposal, California’s Department of Social Services would distribute state funds to eligible nonprofit organizations and handle administrative operations for the proposed regional hubs. The funds would be allocated for “community outreach, partnership, legal services staffing positions, and approved administrative costs associated with hub operations,” according to the draft.
The document does not specify the total funding required, but California faces significant budgetary challenges, with the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office reporting a $68 billion budget deficit.
Newsom’s Legislative Collaboration
A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services said the administration is working with the Legislature to finalize a funding proposal for a special session.
“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,” department spokesperson Theresa Mier told Politico.
The plan reflects growing tensions between California’s leadership and the incoming administration. Newsom has previously clashed with Trump on issues ranging from immigration to federal-state relations.
While this draft represents preliminary discussions, it signals California’s intent to protect immigrant communities as the political landscape shifts.
