California is releasing $35 million in state funds to support illegal immigrants, supplementing resources already allocated for legal assistance to those facing federal deportation efforts. Newsom’s office said the funding would go to philanthropic partners helping immigrant families with food and other basic needs, emphasizing the state’s opposition to the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda.

“While the federal government targets hardworking families, California stands with them,” Newsom said. “As the Trump Administration chooses cruelty and chaos, California chooses community.” His office noted that families are fearful of leaving home, attending school, or working, heightening the need for state support.

The funding comes amid projected state budget constraints, including an anticipated $2.9 billion deficit, and restrictions on healthcare for illegal immigrants this year. California officials stressed that the money would not be used to support individuals with serious or violent felony convictions in deportation cases.

Democratic lawmakers praised the allocation as a show of solidarity with immigrant families, while Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio called the funding “absurd,” arguing it sets a double standard for citizens facing federal legal challenges.

The move coincides with President Trump’s federal budget, providing $170 billion for immigration enforcement, aiming to remove up to 1 million immigrants annually over four years. California leaders, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, framed the state’s investment as a direct counter to federal raids, pledging to meet enforcement with “courage and action.”