# California Governor signs law protecting immigrant service

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-immigrant-service-worker-privacy-legislation
> Updated: 2026-08-26T22:00:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2624 into law, a measure designed to protect immigrant service workers and their families from doxxing and targeted threats. The legislation expands California’s existing ‘Safe at Home’ program, which currently provides substitute mailing addresses for victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, and reproductive healthcare workers.

Authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, the bill was introduced following reports of increased harassment and violence against nonprofit employees who assist individuals navigating the immigration system. Bonta stated that the law addresses the “intolerable consequence” of anti-immigrant rhetoric that leaves providers living in fear.

Critics and Republican lawmakers, including Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, have dubbed the measure the “Stop Nick Shirley Act.” Opponents argue the law could be used to intimidate journalists and whistleblowers. The controversy stems from the activities of independent journalist Nick Shirley, who has produced videos alleging fraud within immigrant communities.

In August 2026, journalist Nick Shirley and Republican lawmakers held a rally at the California State Capitol to protest the law. Shirley accused state leaders of targeting investigators rather than those committing fraud and raised concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest, noting that the bill’s author, Mia Bonta, is the wife of California Attorney General Rob Bonta. State Senator Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, characterized the law as unconstitutional and indicated it would likely face legal challenges. Critics at the rally expressed concern that the law could limit public scrutiny of taxpayer funds. The new law is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: California GOP and journalist protest new privacy law

California Republicans and journalist Nick Shirley protested AB 2624, a new law protecting immigration service providers' privacy, alleging it violates First Amendment rights and hinders fraud investigations.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-lawmakers-and-journalist-rally-against-ab-2624

### 2026-08-20: California official confronts journalist over immigration bill

California official Terry Schanz confronted journalist Nick Shirley during an interview regarding Assembly Bill 2624, a controversial piece of legislation targeting harassment of immigration service providers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-official-confronts-journalist-over-immigration-bill

### 2026-08-18: California Senate passes bill to protect immigrant service workers

The California Senate passed AB 2624 to protect immigrant service workers from doxxing, though critics argue the bill may limit investigative journalism and expose fraud.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-senate-passes-immigrant-services-worker-protection-bill

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Cite as: California Governor signs law protecting immigrant service. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-immigrant-service-worker-privacy-legislation