SACRAMENTO — California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday urged state and local law enforcement agencies to use their “full authority” to investigate possible crimes involving federal agents – a direct response to growing national controversy over two fatal shootings by federal officers in Minnesota. (Governor of California)
The guidance from Newsom and Bonta reminds district attorneys, sheriffs and police chiefs that they have “concurrent jurisdiction” – meaning they can independently investigate potential violations of California state law, even when the suspected wrongdoing involves federal law enforcement.
“Our local and state law enforcement are the front line for ensuring due process and public trust.” — Governor Gavin Newsom
The bulletin comes amid a national uproar after two people were killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this month. In both cases – including the recent death of Alex Pretti and the earlier killing of Renee Good — Minnesota authorities said federal officials obstructed state and local investigative efforts. (Governor of California)
Newsom’s statement makes it clear that California won’t automatically defer to federal authorities if similar incidents happen in the state. He emphasized that when a fatal shooting occurs, no one “should be allowed to rush in, seize evidence, and control the narrative” before state and local officials have access to investigate. (Governor of California)
Attorney General Bonta added that California is prepared to seek court orders to access evidence and crime scenes if federal agencies refuse cooperation, and that federal agents are not immune from state criminal law. (California Attorney General)
San Francisco — like many other California cities — has a large immigrant community and strong public debates about federal immigration enforcement. The governor’s directive signals that if incidents involving federal immigration agents occur here, local authorities may assert their rights to investigate independently. (Governor of California)
Local officials in Minnesota have already taken such action. Minnesota’s governor and justice system are pushing their own investigation after state investigators were reportedly blocked from accessing evidence and scenes where federal agents were involved in shootings. (Axios)
The issue has sparked broad reaction nationally — including criticism from tech industry leaders, dozens of major corporations, and lawmakers calling for scrutiny of federal immigration operations.
In California, state leaders are now reminding law enforcement agencies that state law still applies on their soil, even when federal actors are involved — a stance likely to resonate in San Francisco’s diverse communities and legal circles. (Governor of California)
