How California’s Program Protects Immigration Advocates

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed law AB 2624 on August 22. The measure creates a confidentiality program for providers, employees, and volunteers of organizations that assist immigrants against operations by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

An Extension of the Safe at Home Program

The AB 2624 expands the state Safe at Home program, administered by the California Secretary of State. This program allows people at risk to use a substitute mailing address instead of their actual residence in government records.

Under the new law, participants will be able to request that the Secretary of State assign them an alternative address. State and local agencies must use that address when creating, modifying, or maintaining certain public records.

The substitute address can also be used as a work address. The Secretary of State will be responsible for forwarding first-class mail and correspondence from government agencies to registered beneficiaries.

Who Can Request Address Confidentiality?

Interested individuals must reside in California and submit their application in person to an authorized community program. The process includes a meeting with a counselor and orientation on how the system works.

Protection will extend to providers, employees, and volunteers affiliated with organizations providing legal representation, rights advocacy, case management, humanitarian aid, and immigration resources. It also covers those offering translation services, counseling, and medical care to the immigrant community.

Applicants must document their assistance work and provide evidence of threats, harassment, or violent incidents that occurred in the past year. Those who meet voter eligibility requirements can also register and vote confidentially.

Threat Cases That Prompted the New Law

The measure was spearheaded by Democratic assemblymember Mia Bonta from Alameda, in response to increased reports of harassment and threats against immigration advocates. Democratic legislators cited several recent incidents during legislative debate.

Juan José Gutiérrez, one of California’s most active pro-immigrant leaders, warned Univision that «during this President Donald Trump administration» there is a risk that activists like him will be identified and attacked. The leader attributed his detention during several hours in Los Angeles on Thanksgiving Day last year to his activism.

Lorena Allende, an activist with Unión del Barrio, also reported intimidation against her organization. «They have sent us threat letters for a long time. Now they have arrested our members,» she stated in remarks cited by Univision.

What Does the Law Prohibit and What Are the Penalties?

AB 2624 will prohibit publishing, distributing, selling, or exchanging online personal information or images of registered participants. The restriction applies only when there is specific intent to provoke imminent physical assault or generate reasonable fear of harm.

Protection will also extend to people who reside at the same address as a beneficiary. Affected individuals can seek restraining orders and claim court costs and attorney fees in court.

In certain cases, compensation can reach up to three times the actual damage, with a minimum amount of $4,000. Deliberately including false statements in an application constitutes a misdemeanor.

The Debate Over Free Speech and Journalism

The law generated intense public debate over its limits. Republican legislators and some content creators have questioned it, arguing it could limit journalistic investigation of organizations that receive public funds.

Bonta’s office responded that AB 2624 does not restrict filming in public spaces or prohibit investigative journalism. It also does not modify the public records law applicable to organizations and only protects those who voluntarily enroll in the Safe at Home program.

Earlier versions of the bill directly cited California’s journalist protection law, a reference that was removed in Senate amendments adopted in July 2026. Bonta’s office explained that the change aimed to clarify that the law does not apply to legitimate journalism intended to oversee government.

When It Takes Effect and How Long Protection Lasts

The confidentiality program for migrant workers will begin implementation on October 1, 2027, more than a year after the law was signed. Certification will last four years for providers and employees, and six months after the last day of collaboration for volunteers.

The Secretary of State can cancel enrollment due to expiration, false information, address changes without prior notice, or returned mail. The affected person will have 30 business days to appeal that decision. Records will remain confidential for three years after removal and will then be destroyed.

What to Do If You Work or Collaborate With Immigrants?

If you work or volunteer for an immigration assistance organization