Newsom Signs ‘Stop Nick Shirley’ Bill Into Law Amid Widespread Fraud Findings

Opponents argue the law could potentially discourage journalists and citizen investigators from scrutinizing organizations receiving taxpayer money, particularly when reporting involves identifying individuals connected to those organizations who just happen to be in “immigration support services.”

Supporters reject that characterization, arguing that the measure is narrowly aimed at doxxing, harassment and threats rather than legitimate investigative journalism.

The law’s operative restrictions require specific harmful intent rather than simply publishing information about an immigration-service provider.

That distinction is likely to remain at the center of the controversy as critics test whether California’s effort to protect immigration-service workers can coexist with journalists’ First Amendment rights to investigate and report on organizations operating with public money.

When Democrat Assemblymember Mia Bonta, wife of California Attorney General Rob Bonta – the man whose office is charged with investigating alleged fraud – introduced the legislation in February, she repeatedly referenced viral reports about alleged fraud and the backlash surrounding them, although she did not identify any journalist by name.

“Right now, our immigrant service providers are living in fear because of extremists looking to demonize the work that they do and the populations they serve,” Bonta said. “That is an intolerable consequence of the anti-immigrant rhetoric that exists right now.”