California official confronts journalist over immigration bill

Independent journalist Nick Shirley was involved in a heated confrontation with Terry Schanz, the chief of staff for California State Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, while reporting in Sacramento. During the exchange, Schanz interrupted Shirley’s interview with a state politician to mock him with personal insults regarding his anatomy.

The confrontation occurred as Shirley was covering Assembly Bill 2624, authored by Assemblywoman Mia Bonta. The legislation, titled “Privacy for immigration support services providers,” aims to protect immigrant-run businesses and healthcare providers from online harassment and doxxing. Critics and state Republicans have referred to the bill as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” arguing that it violates First Amendment rights by imposing civil sanctions on investigative reporters who expose potential fraud within immigration support services.