California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2624, the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," into law. The legislation expands the state's Safe at Home program to include employees of nonprofits that assist individuals navigating the immigration system. The program offers substitute mailing addresses to those deemed vulnerable to targeted attacks and threats.
The bill, introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, is set to take effect on October 1, 2027. Bonta stated that immigration service providers are "living in fear" due to extremist rhetoric that targets their work and the populations they serve. She emphasized that the law aims to combat increased threats and harassment against these individuals.
Republicans, including Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, have criticized the bill, coining it the "Stop Nick Shirley Act." The name refers to independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley, who has produced videos documenting immigrant workers and alleging fraud. Shirley contends that AB 2624 was enacted after he exposed alleged fraud within immigrant communities in California and Minnesota.
The controversy surrounding the bill was amplified following an incident outside the California State Capitol. While conducting an interview, Shirley was allegedly interrupted by Terry Schanz, chief of staff to Democratic Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor. Schanz reportedly held up a flyer with a personal insult directed at Shirley. Multiple complaints have been filed regarding this incident, and Schanz is expected to face repercussions. Schanz's office has previously been involved in other controversies, including allegations of a toxic workplace culture and pressure on a nonprofit newsroom to alter footage.
Opponents of AB 2624, such as Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody, have referred to it as the "Protect Fraudsters Act." Bonta has refuted this characterization, asserting that the law distinguishes between legitimate journalism and doxxing, the latter of which the Safe at Home program aims to prevent. The law's signing by Governor Newsom makes it official, despite the significant backlash from critics.