GOP cites Nick Shirley to oppose California immigrant privacy bill

California Republicans oppose a new bill expanding a state privacy program for immigrant service providers, arguing it threatens fraud investigations and citizen journalism, specifically citing social media influencer Nick Shirley.

California's "Safe at Home" program offers confidential residential addresses to protect crime victims and workers in sensitive fields. Established nearly 30 years ago, it expanded to include victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and workers in reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare. Assembly Bill 2624 now proposes extending this protection to "immigration support services provider, employee, or volunteer." This expansion has met opposition from some Republican legislators.

Proponents highlight the need for privacy. Angelica Salas, executive director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, reported a stranger appeared at her mother’s home seeking her, an incident she described as "very shocked." The bill aims to protect individuals facing such threats.

However, opponents, including Assemblymember Josh Hoover, argue this bill moves the state away from accountability. Hoover stated the Legislature moves "in the opposite direction" of investigating fraud. Assemblymember Carl DeMaio has labeled AB 2624 the "Stop Nick Shirley Act." DeMaio references Nick Shirley, a conservative social media influencer known for videos alleging fraud in childcare centers. Shirley recently visited San Diego, accusing local Somali-run day care centers of operating "ghost facilities."

The bill contains a provision that prohibits knowingly posting personal information or images of designated immigration support service providers online with intent to cause imminent great bodily harm and reasonable fear. DeMaio argues this provision would deter "citizen journalists" like Shirley from investigating taxpayer-funded organizations. Assemblymember Mia Bonta, the bill's author, stated she "can't imagine the level of hate" faced by immigrant service providers, underscoring the personal safety concerns driving the legislation.

This legislative debate highlights a tension between protecting individual privacy and ensuring public transparency in organizations that may receive public funds. The bill has passed the Assembly’s public safety committee and continues through the Legislature. Future discussions will likely focus on balancing these competing interests. The progress of AB 2624 will indicate California's approach to these issues.