California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing mounting criticism after signing a new law that opponents say could make it harder for the public to scrutinize alleged fraud involving immigration services providers — a dispute now drawing calls from congressional Republicans for Justice Department action.
Newsom, a Democrat, approved the measure last week, igniting pushback from critics who argue the legislation could protect individuals accused of misconduct from public exposure rather than simply curb harassment.
Nine members of Congress are now urging US Attorney General Todd Blanche to review the law and pursue legal steps to prevent it from being implemented.
In a letter first provided to The California Post, the lawmakers — led by California Rep. James Gallagher — warned that the measure may obstruct efforts to uncover and publicize alleged fraud in the immigration services industry.
“The important work of uncovering and addressing fraud is just beginning, and yet California Democrats and Governor Newsom are taking brazen and potentially unconstitutional steps to impede it,” the lawmakers wrote.
Gallagher was joined by fellow California Republican Reps. Vince Fong, Young Kim and Tom McClintock. Rep. August Pfluger, who chairs the Republican Study Committee, also signed on in support of the letter.
Republicans have labeled the measure the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” invoking the YouTuber known for confronting immigrant services providers over alleged fraud and publishing those encounters online.
Set to take effect in October 2027, the law bars people from posting photos or personal information about an immigrant services provider online when the intent is harassment or violence.
The measure also allows an immigrant services provider to sue in court and seek at least $4,000 in damages from someone who violates the law.
But critics say the legislation goes far beyond protecting people from threats — arguing it could have a chilling effect on those trying to expose alleged wrongdoing.
They have also questioned whether the law was crafted with Shirley in mind after his viral videos spotlighted alleged fraud involving immigrant services providers.
“Nick Shirley’s reporting raised serious questions about alleged fraud. Instead of making it easier to investigate those allegations, Newsom signed a law that creates new legal risks around reporting and publishing information about the people involved. That is exactly backwards,” said Fong in a statement shared to The Post.
“This is classic Sacramento. Instead of going after fraud and demanding answers about where taxpayer dollars are going, they pass a law that could make it harder for people to expose it,” Gallagher said. “That’s completely backwards. Californians deserve to know where their money is going, and journalists should be able to follow the facts without Sacramento getting in the way.”
In the letter, the congressmembers pointed out that President Donald Trump’s administration has made tackling fraud a priority and argued that fighting California’s law is a part of that mission.
“We must close every loophole exploited by fraudsters and supported by Governor Newsom,” the letter said.
The Post reached out to the Department of Justice for comment on whether it would act on the request.
Shirley and state Republicans are also considering challenges of their own, they said Wednesday at a Sacramento rally. The Youtuber hinted at the possibility of testing the law, with allies promising to sue if the law is used to prosecute Shirley and others like him.
“We pledge to defend every single one of you, and everyone like Nick, who is challenged in court from zealous prosecutors trying to shut you down,” Brad Dacus, an attorney at the Pacific Justice Institute, said. “They will not get away with it.
Shirley and the congressmembers claimed the law would prevent journalistic work like Shirley’s videos and as a result, violate the First Amendment for prohibiting what can be posted.
The law’s author, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, insists the law does not affect journalists and said she was simply trying to boost the privacy of workers who are helping the state’s immigrants.
In a video posted Thursday, she dismissed the Shirley rally for spreading “lies and outrage” against her bill.
“I welcome protest. I welcome a free press holding this state accountable. What I don’t welcome is violence against people whose only guilt is trying to serve their neighbors,” Bonta said.
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