Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed two legislative proposals that would have prohibited federal immigration agents and contractors from holding state and local government positions in California. The decision comes shortly after the governor signed a suite of bills designed to counter federal immigration enforcement policies within the state.
One of the vetoed bills, known as the “Get the Feds Out” or “GTFO” Act, would have barred agents and contractors involved in federal immigration enforcement from state and local jobs, including those within law enforcement agencies. Governor Newsom stated that the bill extended "a step too far," arguing that it would unfairly discourage qualified individuals from serving in the federal government or compel them to leave federal service due to dissatisfaction with current federal policies.
In his veto letter, Newsom acknowledged the "horrific tactics" employed by immigration agents during the Trump administration but emphasized that accountability for such actions rests with Congress and the administration, not through broad employment restrictions. He noted that existing public employment hiring processes already include evaluations of personal conduct.
While Governor Newsom signed a separate bill that prevents federal agents from serving as police officers in California if their federal credentials have been revoked due to misconduct, Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, the author of the "GTFO" Act, expressed disappointment. However, Gonzalez also commended Newsom for signing other legislation aimed at protecting immigrant communities and stated that the fight for accountability is ongoing.
The governor also vetoed a proposal by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan that would have prohibited sworn law enforcement officers from taking secondary employment or contract positions related to immigration enforcement. Newsom cited concerns about restricting law enforcement officers' ability to take on outside employment during their personal time, reiterating that officers are subject to standards and accountability for their conduct.
These vetoes occurred amidst the signing of 21 other bills earlier in the week that target federal immigration enforcement, including bans on certain law enforcement equipment and the imposition of taxes on private detention centers. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security criticized these measures, asserting that they would not deter deportations of individuals deemed criminal aliens.
