California Department of Justice

CA Bill for Permanent Oversight of Immigrant Facilities Advances Amid Deaths

By Paris XiaJune 22, 20260 comments

California lawmakers have advanced SB 1399, legislation aimed at ensuring the continued state oversight and public disclosure of conditions within immigration detention facilities. The measure, authored by Senator Maria Elena Durazo, seeks to prevent the July 1, 2027 expiration of existing oversight requirements, citing recent California Department of Justice reports that document worsening conditions and six detainee deaths between September 2025 and March 2026.

DOJ Report: Policy Changes Urged after Unarmed Charles Towns Shot

By Lexi SharpMay 18, 20260 comments

California Attorney General Rob Bonta released a report concluding that the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies acted unlawfully when they used deadly force in the 2023 officer-involved shooting death of Charles Towns in Altadena.

Report Clears SFPD Officers in Fatal 2022 Shooting of Two Men

By Tyler Harty-RollinsMarch 10, 20260 comments

The California Department of Justice concluded that there was no legal basis to prosecute the officers involved in the fatal 2022 San Francisco police shooting of Rafael Mendoza and Micheal MacFhionghain, as the evidence did not establish that the officers were objectively unreasonable in using deadly force.

No Charges Filed in Jaime Valdez Shooting by Fontana Police Officer

By Jamie KoMarch 2, 20260 comments

The California Department of Justice has concluded that criminal charges are not warranted in the fatal 2023 shooting of Jaime Valdez by a Fontana police officer, and has issued two recommendations to the Fontana Police Department to improve transparency and public access to departmental policies.

Newsom and Bonta Pledge to Hold Federal Agents Accountable for Crimes in CA

By Michelle GarciaJanuary 28, 20260 comments

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom issued guidance to state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate state law crimes committed by federal agents, following the federal government’s refusal to cooperate with state and local investigations into two recent federal officer-involved shooting deaths in Minnesota.

No Charges Filed in Officer-Involved Shooting Death of Victor Nava

By Ria BaggaJanuary 19, 20260 comments

The California Department of Justice has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the officer involved in the shooting of Victor Nava acted without the intent to defend herself and others, and has made two policy recommendations to the South Gate Police Department.

California Sues USDA over SNAP Eligibility Restrictions

By Kaitlyn MajlesiDecember 1, 20250 comments

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against the USDA, challenging the Trump administration’s guidance for implementing SNAP eligibility restrictions, arguing that it unlawfully excludes certain lawfully residing noncitizens from receiving food assistance benefits.

Crime Was Falling. So Why Did California Pass Prop. 36?

By David M. GreenwaldJuly 21, 20251 comments

Proposition 36, a voter-approved initiative aimed at increasing penalties for repeat theft and drug offenses, has been criticized for its lack of funding, disproportionate impact on racial and geographic disparities, and failure to provide treatment options, leading to increased incarceration and strain on local justice systems.