Fact-check · Sep 10, 2026 · Donald Trump
“In California, Democrats even use tax payer money to pay for illegal immigrants' legal defense and immigration proceedings.”
TRUE
What the record shows
California allocates $175 million in state funding for immigration legal services (as of 2026 budget), including $45 million annually through the 'One California' program for removal defense. Funds support nonprofits providing legal representation in deportation proceedings.
Sources
- Why these California counties are directly funding immigrant legal defense amid Trump’s crackdown
- California bill would fund deportation defense for all immigrants, including those with felonies
- Governor Newsom launches new state investment and philanthropic collaboration to continue supporting families under federal assault | Governor of California
- Immigrant legal defense
- Why these California counties are directly funding immigrant legal defense amid Trump’s crackdown | KPBS Public Media
- Why these California counties are directly funding immigrant legal defense amid Trump’s crackdown - The Almanac
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