Agnes Giboney Criticizes California’s Immigration Legal Defense Bill

Agnes Giboney, a mother from California who lost her son to a shooting by an illegal immigrant, is calling out Governor Gavin Newsom and the state’s Democratic Party over a recent bill aimed at using taxpayer money for the legal defense of immigrants facing deportation. She urged voters to “stop this madness.”

Lawmakers are currently discussing a proposal to expand legal representation funded by taxpayers for immigrants in deportation proceedings. This initiative would enhance existing national programs by offering legal counsel to adults in immigration court, especially those in detention, without regard to their legal status. This development arises amid increasing scrutiny from the Trump administration, which purportedly favors illegal immigrants over citizens.

Giboney, whose son Ronald was killed by an illegal immigrant, criticized Newsom and the Democratic Party in an interview, arguing that they prioritize illegal immigrants over the safety of citizens. “My son was killed,” she stated, adding that not a single politician has reached out to her to express condolences after her loss.

She expressed her frustration, saying she’s sent countless emails to Newsom since her son’s death in 2002, yet received no acknowledgment. “I never got a response,” she remarked, emphasizing her feelings of neglect.

While Newsom has not made a decision about the bill, he had earlier backed legislation creating a state-funded legal aid program to assist unaccompanied immigrant children facing deportation.

Ronald da Silva, aged 29, was murdered in his own driveway by gang members who were illegal immigrants. Giboney lamented that Newsom seems indifferent to the plight of legitimate citizens, accusing him of favoring the votes of illegal immigrants over the welfare of Californians.

Regarding the legal defense bill, she expressed her outrage, questioning how the state could prioritize this when California faces a staggering debt of around $300 billion to $400 billion.

She remarked that under Newsom, public conditions have worsened significantly, pointing out high taxes, a soaring cost of living, and widespread homelessness. “We’re number one in bad,” she said, indicating a belief that taxpayer money is being mismanaged in favor of illegal immigrants.

The bill, introduced by Democratic Representative Mia Bonta, has passed through two legislative committees and is now being reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It has sparked outrage from Giboney and advocacy groups representing victims of immigrant crimes, who see it as an affront to families who have suffered due to the actions of foreign criminals.

Conversely, some, like Abraham Bedoy from the Immigration Legal Resource Center, support the bill, claiming it is crucial for fair representation amid escalating deportations and unjust arrests affecting many families in California. He described it as a vital step towards universal legal representation.

While the bill doesn’t detail all exclusions, California’s current policies imply that certain immigrants with criminal histories might not be prioritized under this new program. Bonta has defended the bill, stating it guarantees “every Californian’s right to a fair hearing.”

She expressed concern about the complex legal system many immigrants face without adequate representation, attributing rising injustices to the Trump administration’s policies.

In a timely twist, Giboney argued that taxpayers’ money should be directed towards more pressing social needs rather than aiding illegal immigrants. She suggested diverting funds for educational improvements, better healthcare for veterans and seniors, and insisted that Newsom should focus on serving citizens, not those who have entered the country unlawfully.

Reflecting on her personal loss, Giboney shared, “Ronald was my eldest and only son. He was a father to two young children.” She pointed out the gulf of separation caused by her son’s untimely death, contrasting it with discussions about deportation where families can potentially reunite. “I will never be reunited with my son,” she stated poignantly.

Concluding her message, she warned, “Yesterday, it was my son who was shot. Tomorrow, it could be your child,” urging voters to take action against what she sees as a grave misdirection of state resources.