California launches website to report abuses by ICE agents: Here’s how to access it

At the beginning of December, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the launch of a website that allows the public to report possible illegal activities by federal agents and officers across the state to the California Department of Justice. This includes agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

“We’re not going to stand by while anyone — including federal agents — abuses their authority in California. This new portal gives Californians an easy and safe way to speak up, share what they see, and help us hold people accountable. No one is above the law,” Governor Newsom said.

Attorney General Bonta added, “The Trump Administration is engaging in a campaign of terror and fear that has left some California communities scared to go about their daily lives. From unmarked military-style vehicles to detainments that more closely resemble kidnappings, Californians are rightly concerned that federal agents may be crossing the line and abusing their authority.”

How does the portal work?

Through the new online portal, members of the public can submit a report using a form that allows them to upload videos and photographs of what the site describes as “potentially unlawful activity” carried out in California by federal agents or personnel. This includes officers or agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, or federalized National Guard members.

“Federal agents have broad authority to enforce federal laws, including federal immigration laws, but they must do so lawfully,” the portal states. The list of potentially illegal actions includes excessive use of force, illegal searches or arrests, unjustified detentions, interference with the electoral process, and violations of civil rights.

The form requests several required and optional details, including a phone number, email address, full name, city, state, ZIP code, and a description of the incident. It also asks whether the person submitting the report is filing a complaint on their own behalf or on behalf of someone else, and whether they were present during the incident. In addition, it requests information about any injuries, the location of the incident, and the approximate date and time it occurred.

It is important to note that submitting information or filing a report through the portal does not mean that the Attorney General’s Office will necessarily take action. The form is also not intended to replace reporting emergencies or crimes to local law enforcement.

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