As the federal administration carries out what it says is the largest deportation effort in the country’s history, immigrants already struggling to make rent are facing greater housing challenges that experts say undermine the state’s tenant protection laws, write CalMatters’ Yue Stella Yu and Ben Christopher.
In addition to including immigrants with no criminal background, green-card holders and U.S. citizens into its dragnet, President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration is detaining immigrants who are the sole source of income and rent for households.
Not only does this place families at risk for living on the streets, it also has a chilling effect that discourages immigrants from exercising their rights against unlawful or unfair housing practices.
In Los Angeles, a Latino family sued their landlord and a real estate agent over an illegal eviction. As the case was unfolding, an attorney for the agent sent an email to the family’s lawyer suggesting that their clients were likely to be “picked up by ICE and deported.” Meanwhile, an Oakland landlord asked renters if they were “legal” in an attempt to push them out of their rental home.
California has some of the most expensive rents in the country. Undocumented immigrant renters often work low-paying jobs, have less access to public benefits and are more likely to spend most of their income on rent. They’re also more likely to live in overcrowded housing leased by friends or family members, which leave them vulnerable to poor living conditions.
But the threat of deportation keeps these tenants from speaking up, such as asking their landlords for a repair or a routine accommodation. Some are also too afraid to appear in court for housing-related issues, even when a landlord’s allegations are insufficient, said Patrick McDonell, a housing attorney with Sonoma County Legal Aid.
- McDonell: “That person nevertheless is going to have to move out, just because we know that we don’t have a client who we’re going to be able to take to court.”
CalMatters covers the Capitol: We have guides and stories to keep track of bills and your lawmakers; find out how well legislators are representing you; explore the Legislature’s record diversity; and make your voice heard.
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Harris passes on governor race
After months of speculation, former Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed Wednesday that she will not be running for California governor, reports CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff.
- Harris, on social media: “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”
Since losing the presidential election in November, rumors ran rampant about Harris eyeing a bid for the state’s top official as her next possible career move. Born in Oakland, she served as the state’s attorney general in 2010 and later as a U.S. senator.
If she did run, Harris would have joined a crowded 2026 race that so far includes former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state Senate leader Toni Atkins and others.
Harris’ decision still leaves the opportunity for another presidential run in 2028.
Appeals court upholds fee despite SCOTUS ruling
From CalMatters housing reporter Ben Christopher:
A panel of California appellate judges just pumped the brakes on what could have been a revolution in municipal budgeting and building fees across California.
The skirmish dates back to 2016 when George Sheetz, proposing to build a house on his property, sued El Dorado County over a $23,420 traffic mitigation fee.
Sheetz argued that the county needed to prove that the fee matched the financial toll his new home would actually leave on local roads.
The case made its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court last year, which sided unanimously with Sheetz — at least in principle. The court ruled that local governments, including county boards of supervisors, need to justify their impact fees. But it stopped short of saying how detailed they need to be.
In a Tuesday ruling, three California judges took up that question and ruled that the county’s fee still passed muster under the high court’s more exacting standard.
Brian Hodges, attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, which represented Sheetz, said they were still deciding whether to appeal.
And lastly: New tax rattles cannabis industry
California’s excise tax on legal weed is increasing, despite efforts to keep it lower to help the struggling industry. CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff and video strategy director Robert Meeks have a video segment on why cannabis growers say this could deal a fatal blow to businesses as part of our partnership with PBS SoCal. Watch it here.
SoCalMatters airs at 5:58 p.m. weekdays on PBS SoCal.
California Voices
California Voices aims to broaden our understanding of the state by spotlighting those who are directly impacted by policy — or its absence. Give it a look.
Other things worth your time:
EPA moves to undo key climate rule; CA vows to fight back // San Francisco Chronicle
Southern CA House Democrats sue over access to ICE detention centers // The Press-Enterprise
Newsom’s redistricting gambit splits CA Democrats // The Sacramento Bee
Newsom signs executive order to support boys and men and improve their mental health // AP News
What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’? // The New York Times
Why even small tsunamis and one-foot waves can wreak havoc in CA // KQED
A do-over for Newsom? CA crafts power plays to tackle looming refinery shutdowns // The San Diego Union-Tribune
Feds move to drop charges in controversial cases as Trump re-ups LA prosecutor // Los Angeles Times
After push from LA, Newsom plans to weaken state duplex law in wildfire areas // Los Angeles Times
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