California Allocates $35M to Support Illegal Immigrants Amid Trump's Mass Deportation Agenda

Governor's office releasing state funds for philanthropic partners to help illegal immigrants and their families with food assistance and legal needs.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the allocation of $35 million in state funding to support illegal immigrants as the Trump administration carries out its massive deportation agenda. The money will go to philanthropic partners to help immigrant families with food assistance and other resources, on top of funds already allocated for legal services.

Why it matters

The move by California comes as the Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement and deportations, creating fear and instability in immigrant communities. The state funding aims to provide support and resources to these families during a difficult time.

The details

The $35 million in state funds will be released by Newsom's office to help philanthropic partners support immigrant families with food assistance and other needs. This is in addition to funds the state has already allocated to provide legal resources to those facing deportation. Newsom said the state is choosing 'community' over the 'cruelty and chaos' of the federal government's immigration policies.

  • On February 24, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the $35 million allocation.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who announced the $35 million in state funding to support illegal immigrants.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who campaigned on and implemented a major immigration crackdown and mass deportation agenda.

Lena Gonzalez

A Democratic state senator in California and chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, who said the funding shows the party will 'continue to stand in solidarity with our immigrant families.'

Carl DeMaio

A Republican Assemblymember in California who criticized the $35 million funding as 'absurd.'

Robert Rivas

The Democratic Speaker of the California Assembly, who said the state 'will never be silent in the face of Trump's cruel and unlawful immigration raids.'

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What they’re saying

“While the federal government targets hardworking families, California stands with them – uniting partners and funding local communities to help support their neighbors.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Press Release)

“When federal actions create fear and instability, our responsibility is to show up for families. This investment strengthens local partners who are helping people access legal services and meet basic needs during an incredibly difficult moment.”

— Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency (Press Release)

“The federal government is waging a war on our communities – and we won't stand for it. We are putting money behind an effort to stop the fear, stop the separation of our families and stop violating our basic rights.”

— Lena Gonzalez, Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CalMatters)

“California will never be silent in the face of Trump's cruel and unlawful immigration raids. We will meet fear and intimidation with courage and action.”

— Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California Assembly (Press Release)

What’s next

The state funding will be distributed to philanthropic partners in the coming months to provide support and resources to illegal immigrant families in California.

The takeaway

This allocation of state funds by California highlights the growing divide between the state and the federal government on immigration policy, as California chooses to support and stand with its immigrant communities in the face of the Trump administration's aggressive deportation agenda.