SACRAMENTO; The governor’s office said Oct. 9, 2026, it has received increased reports of federal immigration agents in some California communities and reminded residents that they have constitutional rights.
The office said Governor urged Californians to stay calm, stay safe and know their rights; the statement said is using fear as a weapon and putting families at risk. The governor’s office said California will defend communities and hold federal agents accountable.
The statement summarized state policy and practical steps for residents. It said state and local law enforcement do not act as federal immigration agents and that state law limits their participation in federal immigration enforcement while preserving specific cooperation to pursue violent offenders.
The release listed concrete safety steps for families: make a family plan that names emergency contacts and care arrangements for children and dependents; keep important documents and phone numbers in a safe place; if you have an immigration “A” number, give it to a trusted family member so they can locate you if you are detained.
The office gave behavioral guidance if residents see federal enforcement activity: do not run; keep a safe distance; people may peacefully observe and document activities where the law allows; do not threaten, assault, obstruct or interfere with agents; fleeing can increase the risk of detention.
On encounters with agents, the release said people have the right to remain silent and to request a lawyer; it advised not to sign documents without legal advice and to seek an immigration attorney or an accredited legal services provider and, if concerned about arrest, to obtain a signed G-28 form.
The governor’s office said California maintains resources for affected residents. It directed people to ca.gov/immigration for information and to an online portal at oag.ca.gov/reportmisconduct where residents can submit photos, videos and reports of potential misconduct; it advised calling 911 if a crime or an immediate danger is occurring.
The release also said the state has invested in immigration legal services and community support, strengthened protections for parents, schools, hospitals, workers and students, and recently signed a package of laws to protect communities, increase transparency in enforcement operations and expand oversight of state detention facilities.
State
Gavin Newsom
Governor · Democrat
Named 2 times in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
Federal
Donald J. Trump
President of the United States · Republican
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Daniel Torok / The White House (public domain)
Sources & methodology
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