Gov. Newsom Signs Law Shielding Immigration Aid Workers From Doxing Threats

August 28, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation establishing an address confidentiality program for immigration service providers, employees, and volunteers who face documented threats. The new law, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, creates a framework similar to California's existing Safe at Home program and allows eligible participants to use substitute addresses while providing legal remedies against those who publish their personal information with intent to harm. Republican Senator Tony Strickland opposed the measure, expressing concerns it could violate First Amendment rights and restrict investigative journalism.

Who is affected

Immigration service providers, their employees, and volunteers who face documented threats
Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), the bill's author
Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), who was previously doxed
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, and her colleagues who have been threatened or doxed
Conservative YouTube content creator and social media influencer Nick Shirley
Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach), who opposed the legislation
Citizens and independent journalists concerned about investigative reporting restrictions
Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, whose office will administer the program

What action is being taken

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624 into law on August 22. The law establishes an address confidentiality program modeled after California's Safe at Home program that will allow eligible immigration service providers to use substitute addresses.

Why it matters

This legislation addresses a documented escalation of threats, death threats, online abuse, and anti-immigrant vigilante activity targeting immigration service workers in California. It extends protections that have existed for 28 years for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other vulnerable groups to immigration service providers who face comparable threats. The law provides both civil and criminal remedies against doxing that puts workers' safety at risk, though critics argue it may chill free speech and investigative journalism into government programs.

What's next

Beginning October 1, 2027, eligible immigration service providers, employees, and volunteers who face documented threats will be able to apply through Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber's office to use a substitute address.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint