California Governor signs 21 bills to increase oversight of immigration detention

Governor Gavin Newsom signed 21 bills on Tuesday intended to expand California's authority over federal immigration detention and limit the use of specific law-enforcement equipment. The legislation comes as immigration arrests nationwide reached nearly 50,000 in July, with California recording the third-highest number of arrests.

Key provisions include bans on the use of electroshock gloves, masks and flash-bang grenades by law-enforcement officers, a requirement for local agencies to release 911 call records from ICE facilities, and new powers for the state attorney general to enforce health and safety standards in detention centers. One bill, SB 942, creates a statewide bill of rights for individuals in civil custody, setting minimum standards for medical care, food, water, sanitation, religious practice, family contact and legal counsel.

"Trump has put his political interests above the health, safety and livelihood of American families," Newsom said in his signing statement. "California is taking action to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight around immigration enforcement in our state."

Attorney General Rob Bonta, who co-sponsored the bill, said the state will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of immigrants. A separate measure imposes a 25% tax on the gross income of for-profit companies that operate immigration detention facilities, directing the revenue to a state fund for immigration services.

Lawmakers also approved a law allowing individuals to sue federal officials in state court for alleged civil-rights violations and a rule requiring the release of ICE-related 911 call data. Legal experts anticipate that the federal government may challenge several of the measures in court, particularly those restricting equipment used by federal officers.