Newsom’s Team Mulls Immigrant Support Plan To Counter Trump Deportations

SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is drafting a potential plan to help undocumented immigrants who may be threatened by incoming President Donald Trump’s mass deportation threats, including resources to find legal aid.

A draft of the plan obtained by POLITICO and titled “Immigrant Support Network Concept” proposes the “creation of an Immigrant Support Network comprised of regional ‘hubs’ to connect at-risk individuals, their families, and communities with community systems — such as legal services, schools, labor unions, local governments, etc.”

The draft is sparse on details and notes that the plans are still under review, but it says the hubs could provide referrals to service providers, share “critical” information and collect details about community needs in order to coordinate policies statewide.

It's one of the first indications of how a major blue state is thinking about ways to oppose the Trump administration on immigration as Democratic leaders struggle to find their footing on the pivotal electoral issue.

The draft is part of broader efforts by Newsom and other leading California Democrats to prepare for a second Trump administration that is already on track to clash with the state’s liberal policies. The governor called a special legislative session shortly after the election to approve an additional $25 million in state funds for potential federal litigation, for instance.

Newsom and his allies are particularly concerned about Trump’s pledged mass deportations and the ripple effects in California, which has the largest population of undocumented residents in the country.

According to the draft, the California Department of Social Services would distribute state funds to eligible nonprofits and take on administrative duties for the hubs. The draft does not indicate how much funding the plan would require, but it says it would go toward “community outreach, partnership, legal services staffing positions, and approved administrative costs associated with hub operations.”

The draft says the Department of Social Services is still gauging interest in the program as well as determining an implementation timeline and funding requirements. A final plan would be announced by mid-January.

Department spokesperson Theresa Mier said in response to requests for comment on the draft, “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.”

State senators and immigration advocates are meanwhile lobbying for the state to set aside additional funds through the special session beyond $25 million.

Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener proposed legislation seeking $60 million, including funds to create an immigrant detention representation and coordination program. The immigrant support draft notably does not mention immigrant detention, although it does reference “legal services.”