California officials have launched an online portal for residents to report potential misconduct by federal law enforcement, including ICE, aiming to provide oversight amid concerns of federal overreach.
The platform allows users to upload photos, videos and written accounts documenting incidents involving federal agents within the state.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) emphasized that the state would act if federal officers exceeded their authority.
“No one is above the law,” he said, asserting that Californians should have a means to report interactions they believe were unlawful.
The portal, hosted at oag.ca.gov/reportmisconduct, is open to the public and accepts evidence related to ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), federalized National Guard units or other federal personnel, The Center Square reports.
Attorney General Rob Bonta described federal enforcement as creating fear in communities, citing the use of unmarked vehicles and detentions resembling kidnappings.
He clarified that while federal agents are authorized to enforce laws, they must act within constitutional limits.
The portal includes categories such as “excessive force,” “warrantless search/arrest,” “unlawful detention” and “voter interference or intimidation,” with optional fields for personal information and context about the incident, including the choice to remain anonymous.
The launch follows numerous federal court rulings addressing alleged overreach.
In Illinois, a judge found that ICE agents had violated protesters’ rights, while in Colorado, federal officers faced accusations of arrests without probable cause.
Courts in California have also ruled that targeting individuals based on race or ethnicity could violate the Fourth Amendment.
Some injunctions have been lifted, but Democratic-led states continue seeking measures to restrain actions they consider unlawful.
California has also enacted state-level policies to reinforce accountability, including prohibiting law enforcement from covering their faces during official duties—a measure the Trump administration called unconstitutional.
Reports submitted through the portal remain confidential.
Residents can provide up to 50 MB of images, links to five external videos and descriptions including location, date, injuries and additional details.
The Attorney General’s Office stressed that submitting information does not guarantee state action but can be a tool to monitor enforcement practices.
Individuals needing legal guidance may be referred to attorneys through the State Bar of California.
The portal has drawn criticism from federal officials.
A White House spokesperson argued that California should prioritize “dangerous criminal illegal aliens” over federal officers, asserting that unverified claims have led to increased assaults on ICE personnel, according to The Independent.
At a press briefing in San Francisco, Bonta also highlighted broader public safety concerns, referencing recent shootings in Stockton.
While noting California’s progress in reducing firearm fatalities over the past 30 years through background checks, a 10-day waiting period and bans on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, he emphasized that gun violence remains a national challenge and praised the state’s approach as a potential model for other jurisdictions.
The portal represents a significant step in California’s effort to monitor federal enforcement within its borders, giving citizens a mechanism to report potential misconduct while navigating ongoing legal and political tensions.
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