Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta held a regional meeting in San Francisco to address immigrant rights amid concerns over the President-elect's plans for mass deportations. The gathering was part of a series aimed at supporting immigrant communities across California. During the event, Bonta and staff from the California Department of Justice (CADOJ) provided resources and discussed efforts to safeguard immigrants' rights.

Bonta emphasized the importance of these meetings, stating, "We know that there is a lot of fear and anxiety from California’s immigrant communities stemming from the President-elect’s promise of mass deportations." He reassured attendees that his team is prepared to face upcoming challenges: "Rest assured, if the President-elect breaks the law, we will be ready."

The Attorney General's office has issued guidance to help immigrants understand their rights under state law. These include protections against inquiries about immigration status by housing providers and access to emergency medical care regardless of immigration status. The guidance also clarifies that state and local law enforcement cannot assist with immigration enforcement except in specific circumstances.

To combat potential scams targeting immigrants, Bonta advised caution when seeking legal assistance for immigration matters. He recommended using legitimate legal aid organizations and warned against hiring unqualified consultants or notaries.

Additionally, updated model policies have been released for public institutions like schools and hospitals to limit involvement in federal immigration enforcement activities. These guidelines aim to ensure safe access for immigrants and their families.

For those needing legal assistance or wishing to report violations of their rights, resources are available through Law Help CA or directly via the California Department of Justice website.