California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed two legislative proposals aimed at restricting employment opportunities for federal immigration agents within the state, despite recently enacting a broader slate of laws limiting aspects of federal immigration enforcement. The vetoes came in the days following Newsom’s approval of several bills intended to curb federal immigration activities in California.
One of the vetoed measures, Assembly Bill 1896, known as the "Get the Feds Out" or GTFO Act, was sponsored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). The bill sought to prohibit individuals employed by federal immigration agencies or their contractors from holding state or local government jobs in California, including positions in law enforcement. Newsom described the bill as going “a step too far,” expressing concern it would unnecessarily discourage qualified individuals from federal employment or cause them to leave it due to disagreement with current immigration policies.
In his veto message made public on Wednesday, the governor acknowledged the “horrific tactics” used by immigration agents during the previous Trump administration but asserted that accountability for such actions lies with Congress rather than state restrictions on federal employees. He also noted that California’s public employment hiring processes already evaluate personal conduct and professionalism. Newsom did sign related legislation preventing federal agents who have lost their badges due to misconduct from becoming police officers in California.
Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez (D-Los Angeles), who authored AB 1896, voiced disappointment with the veto but praised Newsom for signing a broader package aimed at protecting immigrant communities. Gonzalez described the GTFO Act as grounded in the principle that public funds should not support conduct that instills fear and harm in local populations and stated the effort to hold federal immigration agents accountable remains ongoing. A spokesperson for Speaker Rivas reiterated that despite the bill’s failure, California Democrats continue leading efforts to challenge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), asserting opposition to what they describe as detrimental federal immigration policies.
The governor also rejected Assembly Bill 1537, proposed by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Culver City), which would have barred sworn law enforcement officers from engaging in secondary employment or contract work related to immigration enforcement activities. Newsom argued that prohibiting officers from such work during their personal time was unwarranted, emphasizing that state and local peace officers are already subject to strict conduct standards and face disciplinary measures if those standards are violated. Bryan did not provide comment on the veto.
Last week, Newsom signed 21 bills intended to limit federal immigration enforcement tactics in California, including prohibitions on the use of electric shock gloves and face coverings by law enforcement. Additional laws impose a 25% tax on companies operating private immigration detention centers and introduce enhanced oversight of those facilities.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security criticized California’s legislative measures, asserting that such policies enable dangerous criminals to remain free and complicate immigration enforcement efforts. The statement reaffirmed commitment to arresting individuals charged with serious crimes and preserving public safety amid the state’s sanctuary policies.