California lawmakers have approved a sweeping package of bills aimed at strengthening protections for immigrants, limiting state collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, and imposing stricter oversight on detention facilities. The legislation reflects growing efforts to counter federal immigration policies by expanding rights for noncitizens and restricting local involvement in deportation efforts. Measures include tighter regulations on how immigrant detention centers operate and measures to shield undocumented residents from certain federal actions. The moves underscore a sharp political divide over immigration enforcement between the state and federal governments.
In California, lawmakers passed at least two dozen bills this year seeking to fortify immigrants' rights, restrict cooperation with federal immigration agents and tighten regulations on immigrant detention facilities, among other things.
