In a powerful rebuke to federal immigration enforcement, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed five groundbreaking laws on September 20, 2025, designed to shield immigrant communities from what he called the “authoritarianism” of the Trump Administration’s deportation agenda. For Nigerian immigrant Mordi Iheme and millions like him, these new protections offer a crucial safety net.
Nigerian-Led Community Initiative Thrives Amid Immigration Fears
Every Saturday at Chollas View United Methodist Church in San Diego, Mordi Iheme and his wife orchestrate a food giveaway serving nearly 250 families from Haitian, Asian, Mexican, and Nigerian backgrounds. As a church trustee who immigrated from Nigeria, Iheme has been operating the program under constant worry. “We think this large group is going to attract ICE and agents will come and harass people,” he told NBC San Diego.
The new legislation provides tangible protection for community spaces like Iheme’s food distribution program. Senate Bill 98 requires schools and institutions to notify communities when federal immigration enforcement is on campus, while other bills prohibit ICE agents from entering schools, hospitals, and non-public patient areas without judicial warrants.
Five Laws That Change Everything
California’s comprehensive package includes measures that ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks during duties and require officers to identify themselves upon request—critical transparency measures for immigrant communities. These protections extend to California’s nearly 11 million foreign-born residents, representing a significant portion of the state’s population.
For Nigerian immigrants and other diaspora communities navigating America’s complex immigration landscape, California’s stance represents more than policy—it’s a commitment to human dignity. As Iheme continues his Saturday food distributions, he does so with greater confidence that his community members can access essential services without fear.
Are you a Nigerian immigrant in California? Share your experience with these new protections in the comments below.