GOP Lawmaker Demands DOJ Block New Shield for Immigration Nonprofit Workers
California’s New Law Protects Immigration Workers’ Addresses — But Some Say It Goes Too Far
What Happened?
On August 23, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2624 into law. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (a Democrat from Alameda in the East Bay).
Important Point: This law lets people who work for immigration nonprofits keep their home addresses private so they don’t get harassed or threatened.
But not everyone is happy. Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (a Republican from San Diego) says the law breaks the First Amendment (free speech rights). He’s asked the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop the law before it starts.
Why Was This Law Created?
Real People Were Getting Hurt
- Somali daycare workers in Southern California said they were being harassed and intimidated by people trying to "expose fraud" — similar to what happened in Minnesota.
- Angelica Salas, who leads the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, told lawmakers her group got threats of violence — some naming her personally.
- Assemblymember Bonta said:
"The amount of hate and harassment that our immigrant service providers are experiencing right now because they are supporting our immigrant community is really at the heart of this bill."
What Does the Law Actually Do?
Key Protections in AB 2624
- Workers at immigration service nonprofits can join a confidential address program
- They can make a written request to not share their personal info or image publicly
- If someone ignores that request on purpose — with the intent to incite violence or cause fear — they can be fined thousands of dollars
- The law only applies if the person sharing the info meant to cause harm or fear
Important Point: The law does not ban journalism or whistleblowing. It only punishes people who share private info to threaten or scare someone.
Why Is Carl DeMaio Against It?
He Calls It the "Stop Nick Shirley Act"
- Nick Shirley is a conservative influencer who went viral claiming to expose fraud at Somali daycare centers in Minnesota
- Later, he said he found millions in fraud in California
- DeMaio says the law would stop people like Shirley from investigating and sharing what they find
DeMaio’s Argument
"Instead of fixing rampant waste, fraud, and abuse, they’re trying to punish the people exposing it — and they are blatantly violating our First Amendment freedom of speech rights."
What Does Mia Bonta Say?
She Says DeMaio Is Missing the Point
"That always seems to get lost in the sauce of the crazy talk of Mr. DeMaio and his kind."
- Bonta says the law targets harassment, not free speech
- She says DeMaio is using the bill to "demonize immigrants"
- The fines only apply if someone shares info to cause fear or violence
When Does the Law Start?
October 1, 2027 — That’s over a year from now.
What Happens Next?
- DOJ reviews DeMaio’s request — They decide whether to sue to block the law
- Courts may get involved — If DOJ acts, a judge will decide if the law is constitutional
- Law takes effect Oct 1, 2027 — Unless a court stops it first
- Nonprofits can start applying — Workers can request address confidentiality
Summary
| Who | What They Did | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Gov. Newsom | Signed AB 2624 | Made it law |
| Asm. Mia Bonta | Wrote the bill | Wants to protect immigrant workers from harassment |
| Asm. Carl DeMaio | Asked DOJ to block it | Says it violates free speech |
| Nick Shirley | Conservative influencer | Inspired the nickname "Stop Nick Shirley Act" |
| Immigration nonprofits | Reported threats & harassment | Main reason the bill exists |
Bottom Line: California wants to protect people helping immigrants from being doxxed, threatened, or scared. But critics say it could silence legitimate investigations. The DOJ and courts will decide who’s right.
FAQ
What is "doxxing"?
Doxxing is when someone shares your private info (like your home address, phone number, or photo) online without your permission — often to harass, threaten, or scare you.
Does this law stop journalists from reporting?
No. The law only applies if someone shares private info on purpose to cause fear or violence. Normal reporting, whistleblowing, and public records requests are not affected.
Who qualifies for address confidentiality?
Workers at nonprofit organizations that provide immigration services — like legal help, translation, case management, or community support.
What happens if someone breaks the law?
If they knowingly share a protected person’s info to incite harm or cause fear, they can be fined thousands of dollars.
Why is it called the "Stop Nick Shirley Act"?
DeMaio gave it that name because Shirley is a conservative activist who films and posts videos accusing immigrant-run daycares of fraud. DeMaio says the law would stop people like him. Supporters say it stops harassment, not truth-telling.
Reporting contributed by KQED’s Paula Sibulo.