Governor Newsom urges Californians to stay safe and know their rights amid increased federal immigration enforcement
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Oct 9, 2026

Governor Newsom urges Californians to stay safe and know their rights amid increased federal immigration enforcement

What you need to know: Governor Newsom reminds Californians of their constitutional rights and urges communities to stay calm, stay safe, know their rights, and make a plan to protect themselves and their families.

SACRAMENTO – With increased reports of federal immigration agents in some communities across California, Governor Gavin Newsom today urged Californians to know their rights, stay safe and remain informed.

Donald Trump is using fear and panic as a weapon — putting families at risk, undermining our economy, and terrorizing communities. No President is above the Constitution. No one in this country is without rights. California will stand up for our communities and hold federal agents accountable. Know your rights and exercise them safely.

Governor Gavin Newsom

California is standing with our communities

Our priority is public safety. That means keeping communities safe, building trust with residents, and making sure people can report crimes and seek help without fear.

State and local law enforcement do not serve as federal immigration agents. State law limits their participation in federal immigration enforcement while preserving specified cooperation to go after violent criminals.

California is the nation's most diverse state, and immigrants and their children are essential to our communities, economy, and future.

The state has invested in immigration legal services, community-based support and resources to help immigrant families. California has also strengthened protections for parents, schools, public hospitals, workers, students, and personal information.

You have rights, you can protect yourself and your family
  • Don't wait for an emergency. Make a family plan. Families should identify emergency contacts, arrange care for children or other dependents if a parent or caregiver is detained, and keep important documents and phone numbers in a safe place. If you have one, remember your immigration number ("A" number) and give it to your family. An A number is provided to noncitizen immigrants by immigration officials. It will help family members locate you if you are detained.
  • If you witness federal enforcement activity, don't run and keep a safe distance. People have First Amendment rights to peacefully observe and document activity where permitted by law. Do not threaten, assault, obstruct or interfere with federal agents or law enforcement operations. Running can increase the risk that ICE will detain you.  
  • You have the right to an attorney, do not sign documents without legal counsel. If you are detained, ask to speak with a lawyer. Do not sign documents you do not understand or that you have not had an opportunity to review with an attorney.
  • Get trusted legal help. Consult an immigration attorney and have a signed G-28 form if you are concerned about being arrested. Only seek advice from a qualified immigration attorney or accredited legal services provider. Be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed immigration results or charges money to provide legal services they are not authorized to provide.
  • If you believe you have witnessed potentially unlawful conduct by a federal agent, report it. California has an online portal where Californians can submit information, photographs, and video: oag.ca.gov/reportmisconduct. If you believe a crime is occurring or someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
  • You have the right to remain silent. You can say, "I choose to remain silent," and ask to speak with a lawyer. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, your immigration status, or how you entered the country. Do not lie or provide false documents.
  • You have the right to refuse consent to a search. You can say, "I do not consent to a search." Do not physically resist if an agent conducts a search.
  • If agents come to your home, you generally do not have to open the door. Ask agents to show you a warrant. A judicial warrant signed by a judge is different from an immigration administrative warrant issued by immigration authorities. Do not open the door simply because an agent says they have a warrant.

Know your rights at schools and public hospitals

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California has enacted additional protections for families who may encounter federal immigration enforcement:
    • Schools: California law provides protections for students, classrooms, and student information — and establishes requirements concerning immigration enforcement on school campuses.
    • Public hospitals: California law protects certain nonpublic areas of public hospitals from immigration enforcement absent the required judicial warrant or court order, and provides protections for immigration-related information held by health care providers.
    • Legal services: California continues to invest in immigration legal services, including assistance for vulnerable Californians and people in immigration detention. Legal help may be available from nonprofit organizations. Visit Service Provider Contact Information or here for more information.
    • For additional information and resources including for businesses and workers, visit .ca.gov/immigration.

Recently, Governor Newsom signed a package of legislation to protect California communities and strengthen civil rights and public safety by addressing immigration detention, enforcement transparency, civil rights, state facilities, public records, family services and oversight of civil detention facilities in California.

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