The new laws land as immigration arrests have surged nationwide, hitting nearly 50,000 in July alone. California ranked third among all states for arrests that month. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also expanded its detention capacity in the state, part of President Donald Trump's push for what he's called "mass deportation."
Democratic lawmakers from across California authored the wide-ranging package. The bills focus on adding oversight to federal detention operations inside the state, a direct response to the ramped-up enforcement activity residents have seen this year.
For immigrants in California and the advocates who work with them, the new laws represent an attempt by state government to put guardrails on federal agents operating within its borders. It's a fight over who gets to watch the watchers, playing out as arrest numbers climb month over month.