California says more than half a million residents have been reached through state-funded immigration legal services and regional community support initiatives; the governor’s office described the effort as a response to intensifying federal enforcement.
The 2026–27 state budget provides $193 million to expand legal capacity, the governor’s office said. The funding more than doubles support for immigration-related legal services and targets several new efforts, including an "attorney of the day" pilot for immigration court, immigration fellows to boost rural capacity, and a pilot that contracts trusted private immigration attorneys when nonprofits are at capacity.
The state also plans dedicated, free legal assistance for farmworkers and their families and said it will coordinate those services with the Labor & Workforce Development Agency’s worker outreach partners to increase reach in vulnerable communities.
California’s strategy emphasizes regional coordination through "Regional Hubs" that link trusted community messengers with nonprofit legal providers; the hubs are intended to share reliable information, connect people to qualified legal help, and direct families to health and social services.
The governor’s office listed practical services currently available: Know Your Rights education and family preparedness planning; legal assistance for people in removal proceedings and those in ICE detention; and worker and small-business resources. The office said nonprofit organizations and accredited providers are among the sources of legal help.
Governor said, "California will not turn its back on immigrant families. No one in this country is without rights. We’re getting people the facts, the legal help, and the support they need to protect their rights and keep their families together."
The state also advises three immediate steps for people facing encounters with federal agents: state that you choose to remain silent and ask for a lawyer; ask to see a judicial warrant before letting agents into your home and do not physically resist; and, if detained, ask to speak with a lawyer and do not sign documents you do not understand. The governor’s office said preparation can protect families and recommended making a family plan and keeping important documents safe.
Californians who witness potentially unlawful conduct by federal agents can submit photographs, video and information through the California Department of Justice reporting portal at oag.ca.gov/reportmisconduct; the office advised calling 911 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime appears to be occurring.
State
Gavin Newsom
Governor · Democrat
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
Sources & methodology
This report was written from the primary materials below. Links open at the original publisher.
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