Immigrant aid workers gain privacy law as journalist challenges it in court
Aug 22, 2026·Location: Sacramento, CA

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2624, legislation creating a state address confidentiality program for workers and volunteers at organizations that aid immigrants, allowing them to shield their home addresses from public records. The law, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, also makes it illegal to post such workers' personal information online with intent to incite violence against them. Applicants must register with the secretary of state and document a threat within the past year; the program is scheduled to open Oct. 1, 2027. Investigative journalist Nick Shirley, represented by America First Legal, has filed a lawsuit challenging the law, arguing it could impose liability for publishing lawfully obtained information about immigration service providers, while a spokesperson for Newsom's office said the law is unrelated to his reporting.
Sources
- Newsom signs bill shielding immigrant aid workers' home addresses
Los Angeles Times·Aug 23, 2026·archived copy
- Governor signs law shielding immigration service providers from threats - Los Angeles Wave Newspaper Group
Wave Publication·Aug 25, 2026·archived copy
- The Daily Signal
- Black Press USA
- Gavin Newsom Signs ‘Stop Nick Shirley Act’ into Law
Contra Costa News·Aug 23, 2026
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