SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers on Monday approved two bills aimed at restricting certain practices and personnel involved in federal immigration enforcement, sending them to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration.
The state Legislature passed the "Get the Feds Out" Act (GTFO), which would prohibit former federal immigration enforcement officers—including contractors—from holding most state and local government jobs. The measure also establishes a suitability review process for law enforcement applicants, requiring hiring agencies to evaluate news reports, social media posts, and civil complaint filings as part of their hiring decisions. The bill is set to take effect in 2028.
Lawmakers also voted to ban electric-shock gloves similar to those reportedly distributed to federal immigration officers. The legislation follows heightened tensions between California and the Trump administration over immigration policies, including federal enforcement actions at courthouses.
Immediate Policy Changes
The GTFO Act, authored by Assembly member Mark Gonzalez (D-Los Angeles), would apply to public entities such as state agencies, cities, counties, and school districts. It includes an exception for officers who complete California’s basic police training course, with suitability determined on a case-by-case basis. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) supported the bill, framing it as a response to what he described as aggressive federal immigration tactics.
The second bill, targeting electric-shock gloves, was advanced amid reports that such equipment may have been issued to federal officers. Lawmakers did not provide additional details on the gloves’ use or distribution.
Legislative Rationale
Supporters of the GTFO Act cited concerns over federal immigration enforcement practices, including arrests at courthouses. State Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus, stated that public employees in California must uphold moral standards and defend the state and U.S. constitutions. "Anyone who is participating in the raids have shown that they do not live up to the bar that Californians deserve from their public servants," she said.
Assembly member Mark Gonzalez argued that California’s economy relies on immigrant communities and that the state must defend them. "We have the fourth largest economy in the world because of our immigrant and undocumented community, and they’re being penalized and targeted by the Trump administration," he said.
Political and Legal Implications
The bills reflect California’s ongoing resistance to federal immigration policies under the Trump administration. Earlier versions of the GTFO Act faced criticism from conservatives, who argued that restricting hiring would reduce the pool of qualified law enforcement applicants. Opponents also warned of potential legal challenges, noting that the U.S. Department of Justice has previously sued California over immigration-related laws.
Assembly member Mark Gonzalez dismissed concerns about legal action, stating, "The Trump administration has done everything illegally since they took office."
The legislation now awaits Newsom’s signature or veto. If signed, California would become the first state to implement such hiring restrictions for former federal immigration enforcement personnel.