California Governor Signs Immigration Restrictions

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been ridiculed by a U.S. attorney after enacting new measures aimed at limiting federal immigration operations in the state.

In his efforts to enhance his political profile—potentially eyeing a presidential bid in 2028—Newsom has aggressively opposed the Trump administration.

In a pointed response, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, made a joke on social media, suggesting that if Newsom wanted to control federal agents, he would need to win an election first.

On Tuesday, Newsom’s office stated that he instituted restrictions on “flash-bang grenades and explosive breaching charges” in regard to immigration enforcement.

Essayli sarcastically questioned if Newsom planned to “write us a ticket” as a form of enforcement.

Additionally, Newsom announced 21 bills aimed at shielding Californians from what he labeled as the “Orwellian immigration tactics” of the Trump administration.

Essayli, again using mockery, reiterated that Newsom’s jurisdiction is limited without winning a federal election, and he advised the Department of Homeland Security to ignore the new state regulations that restrict tools necessary for handling critical situations.

Among the measures introduced are restrictions on shock gloves authorized for use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a proposed tax on private detention centers, which Newsom claimed is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the U.S.

The governor has also expanded public access to detention centers to enhance transparency and to bolster health, safety, and oversight in civil detention facilities.

Although Newsom has acknowledged contemplating a run for the presidency, he stated that he would withdraw if Vice President Kamala Harris chose to run again, asserting he wouldn’t want to complicate matters for her or waste anyone’s time.