Nearly 11 million people living in California—more than one-fourth of the state’s population, per the U.S. Census Bureau—are immigrants, making California home to more immigrants than any other state.
As Pomona College prepares to host a gubernatorial debate on April 28, Arely Zimmerman, associate professor of intercollegiate Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies, discusses how recent immigration policies, and California’s response to those policies, have impacted the state economically, educationally and politically.
California has passed several laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. What impact have those policies had in practice?
While immigration policy is formally set at the federal level—often through congressional or executive action—states possess a wide range of tools to shape how these laws are implemented and how immigrant workers access resources, rights and social benefits.
Democratic governors have generally been more willing to restrict collaboration between state and local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Dating back to Governor Jerry Brown’s second tenure in office, California has passed laws preventing local police from inquiring about immigration status or transferring individuals to ICE, except in cases involving serious crimes. Under Governor Gavin Newsom, additional laws have been enacted to guard against abuses of power by federal immigration authorities.
Despite these measures, some local law enforcement agencies have faced scrutiny over compliance. More broadly, the federal government has reported more than 1,000 agreements with local law enforcement agencies across 40 states. These policies have had significant consequences: immigrants are often less likely to interact with local police or report crimes, undermining public safety.
What role do advocacy groups, labor organizations, and immigrant rights groups play in shaping policy in the state?
Social movements play an important role in challenging narratives that justify increased enforcement and mass deportation policies. For example, while the Trump administration has claimed that ICE primarily targets dangerous criminals, its own data—published in April 2025—indicates that 73% of detainees have no criminal convictions, and only 5% have been convicted of violent offenses. Immigrant rights organizations amplify this information to inform public debate and counter misleading claims.
How do state policies (and the governor’s race) impact college campuses?
California provides extensive protections for undocumented students, including prohibiting campus police from inquiring about immigration status and restricting federal enforcement access to campuses without a judicial warrant. Institutions are required to protect student privacy, provide financial aid through the California Dream Act, and notify campus communities of immigration enforcement activity.
However, barriers for undocumented students are still quite high. Only about 14% of undocumented students access financial aid in the state. Students’ lack of work authorization creates extreme financial hardship and stress. Campaigns and student activism have pushed the state to provide more equitable pathways to higher education for over 40,000 students in California.
How do immigration enforcement policies intersect with labor protections and workers’ rights?
California’s labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status. However, federal immigration enforcement—particularly workplace raids—can undermine these protections. Such raids often occur in low-wage industries where labor violations are already common. Rather than penalizing employers, these enforcement actions create conditions that enable exploitation.
In some cases, employers have used the threat of ICE enforcement to discourage workers from reporting unsafe conditions, organizing unions or asserting their legal rights. There are also documented instances of employers contacting ICE during labor disputes or union organizing efforts. As a result, immigration enforcement can function as a tool of labor control, weakening workers’ ability to advocate for fair treatment and safe working conditions. This dynamic illustrates how federal policies can undermine state-level labor protections in practice.
How have endorsements from labor organizations impacted political races in California?
Labor endorsements play a significant role in determining candidates’ viability in California, one of the most unionized states in the country. In the current governor’s race, labor support is notably divided. The California Federation of Labor Unions has endorsed four Democratic candidates, reflecting a crowded and competitive field. Individual unions have also backed different candidates, while others have yet to endorse a candidate. As of now, the race remains fluid.