Newsom’s wildfire relief fund diverted millions toward managing anti-ICE riots
Millions of dollars earmarked for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) wildfire relief fund, which was meant to help victims of the January 2025 fires recover from the devastation, went instead toward unrelated expenses, including more than $14 million diverted to controlling crowds during California’s anti-deportation protests the following summer.
Newsom’s wildfire relief fund diverted millions toward managing anti-ICE riots Millions of dollars intended for wildfire relief in California were diverted to unrelated expenses, including over $14 million for crowd control during anti-deportation protests in the summer of 2025. Despite ample funds, a significant portion of the disaster recovery budget remains unallocated, with little direct aid reaching fire victims.
- Over $14 million from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wildfire relief fund was used for crowd control during anti-deportation protests.
- $12.8 million paid for California Highway Patrol officers to police demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles.
- An additional $1.5 million was spent on service contracts to support law enforcement during nationwide demonstrations.
- Despite a $2.5 billion relief package, about 60% of the funds have not yet been allocated, and direct aid to fire victims has been slow.
- Newsom’s office stated the funds were intended as an advance for FEMA-reimbursable projects, but the authorizing bill did not explicitly require this limitation.
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