California Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly weighing a proposal aimed at “supporting” illegal immigrants and their families in anticipation of former President Donald Trump’s potential mass deportation policies should he take office again.
The draft plan, titled the “Immigrant Support Network Concept,” was obtained by Politico and outlines the creation of regional hubs to connect at-risk individuals and their families with various resources, including legal services, schools, and local governments. The proposal comes as state leaders brace for the possibility of renewed immigration enforcement under a second Trump administration.
Fox News Digital contacted Trump’s representatives for comment. Newsom’s office confirmed that the draft was prepared by the California Department of Social Services but has yet to undergo review in Sacramento. Newsom and other California lawmakers have previously taken steps to counter Trump’s immigration policies, including establishing a $25 million legal defense fund following his first election.
“This document is an internal and deliberative draft document meant for internal discussions as part of a number of possible considerations given the incoming federal administration’s public remarks,” Scott Murray, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Outreach Programs for the Department of Social Services, told Fox News Digital in a statement. “It is not a final proposal.”
In addition to this proposal, state lawmakers, including Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener, are lobbying for further funding to bolster immigrant-related programs. Wiener has introduced legislation seeking $60 million for initiatives like immigrant detention representation and coordination efforts.
According to the draft, California’s Social Services Department would distribute state funds to eligible nonprofit organizations and manage administrative responsibilities for the proposed regional hubs. While the draft does not specify the plan’s total cost, it notes that funds would cover community outreach, legal staffing, and other operational expenses.
This comes as California grapples with significant financial challenges. The state is currently facing a $68 billion budget deficit, per the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Despite claims of a roughly balanced budget as of November, the state Finance Department reported that revenues for that month fell $1 billion short of forecasts, further underscoring the state’s precarious financial position.
The proposal highlights the ongoing tension between California’s progressive immigration policies and the fiscal realities facing the state. Critics may question whether such initiatives are prudent given the state’s budgetary constraints, while supporters view them as necessary safeguards for vulnerable populations.
