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California Attorney General Rob Bonta reiterated that the immigrant community living in the state is and will always be supported by him and the office he leads, and that he will ensure that state laws are enforced and that the rights of the people who, he said, “are the backbone of the nation and make America great” are respected.
“I want to reiterate that the immigrant community in California has my support and will continue to have the support of my Office. We will enforce the laws, we will make sure that they are enforced and that rights are respected,” Bonta said at a press conference.
The statement came as California released a package of updated bulletins and new guidelines to help state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and defense attorneys comply with state law as it prepares for new threats to its immigrant communities.
I want to reaffirm: California's immigrant community has my support and continues to have the support of my office.
In California, we're not going to spend our time, money, or resources going backward. pic.twitter.com/zo88wqgHVw
— Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) January 17, 2025
The attorney general also released updated guidance and resources on hate crimes for law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims of hate crimes in preparation for a potential surge in violence against immigrants as a result of President-elect Donald Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric.
“As the president-elect spouts xenophobic rhetoric and makes plans to implement his inhumane mass deportation agenda, California is focused on protecting our communities. No matter who is in the White House, California will continue to lead with California values, and we will not divert vital public safety resources to federal immigration enforcement,” said Attorney General Bonta.
This, he said, “means that California authorities are prohibited from investigating, questioning, detaining or arresting people for immigration-related matters.”
He also explained that state authorities cannot enter into new contracts with the new federal government to house or detain foreigners for immigration custody purposes and are prohibited from participating in joint immigration enforcement operations where the primary purpose of the task force is immigration control.
Rob Bonta, who is also the son of Filipino immigrants, said that the review of incidents of violence is being carried out to establish protocols and achieve fair results in cases of domestic violence.
She noted that members of the immigrant community can often be afraid to report cases of abuse to authorities.
“When someone witnesses or is a victim of a crime, it is important that they feel they can turn to law enforcement and public institutions for help. Through these new and updated guidelines, we are ensuring that law enforcement remains a partner and resource for the California communities they serve, and that our legal system upholds the rights guaranteed to California immigrants under state and federal law,” she said.
The official explained that, considering the xenophobic rhetoric of the incoming president and what they anticipate will be its consequences, guidelines have been issued for police authorities, prosecutors and victims of hate crimes, on how to identify if one is a victim of a crime.
“A person has the right not to be perceived by an impression associated with his or her identity, has the right to file a report with local police authorities. You have the right to participate and be informed of cases where you are the victim, you have the right to obtain a U Visa for victims of crimes, a visa certification for victims of human trafficking, you have the right to request compensation for damages suffered, you can file a claim in Civil Court even if the incident has not been classified as a crime, and you have the right to have protection against hate cases, that is what is contained in the bulletin,” he said.
Attorney General Rob Bonta made it clear that “in California, we will not spend time, money or resources turning back. President-elect Trump’s plans for mass deportations and his talk of deporting even American citizens and using the military on American soil are inhumane, illogical and physically impossible actions.”
“Immigrants are the backbone of our nation. Immigrants make America great and they make California great.”
In this regard, he recalled that California has almost 11 million immigrants, which represents almost a third of its population, more than any other state in the nation.
“We say it proudly, our neighbors, our friends, our loved ones, our immigrant coworkers, are people who bring new ideas, perspectives, and help us progress. It is no coincidence that California is the most diverse state in the nation and has the fifth largest economy in the world, immigrants are the engine of California’s economy.”
He added that one in three workers in California is an immigrant, while the children of immigrants represent more than half of the workforce.
“California’s diversity is our history, our strength, it’s what gives us excellence. Immigrants are a crucial component of this, unfortunately not everyone sees it the same way,” he said, referring to Donald Trump’s rhetoric.
“Certainly we have days, months and years of uncertainty ahead of us, but what is certain is that California will continue to be a beacon of progress, as always. We will continue on the path of progress and California’s progress will prevail, including celebrating the diversity of our state. As California’s Attorney General, when it comes to issues affecting our immigrants, I would be there; if Trump breaks the law, I will see him in court!”
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