California officials introduce online platform for reporting 'misconduct by federal agents'

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a new online portal on Wednesday, enabling residents to report suspected excessive force, misconduct, or other potentially illegal actions by federal agents or military personnel operating in the state.

Submissions such as videos, photographs, and other relevant information will remain confidential and will assist Bonta's team in documenting possible illegal activity by federal agents. This information could later support legal action if necessary.

The portal launch follows ongoing tensions between California officials and the federal government over the presence of immigration enforcement agents in the state. Residents have captured numerous instances of federal agents conducting immigration operations, prompting local officials to explore measures limiting federal authority in their jurisdictions. For example, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently voted to prohibit federal agents from wearing masks during enforcement actions.

California will always oppose abuses of power, no matter their source, and we will ensure that federal agents act within constitutional limits, Bonta said at a press event introducing the portal. This initiative is a critical step in that effort.

Governor Newsom added, We will not allow any official, including federal agents, to misuse their authority in California. This portal provides residents with a secure and simple way to report concerns and hold people accountable.

While the Trump administration has previously denied allegations of unlawful behavior by federal agents in California, federal officials have criticized local leaders for suggesting legal action against agents. They have argued that complaints prioritize the rights of undocumented immigrants over the safety of federal law enforcement personnel and have claimed that recording agent activity could endanger officers.

Bonta emphasized that the portal targets what he described as a campaign of fear by federal immigration agents in California. Reports of unmarked vehicles, aggressive detentions, and other intimidating tactics have raised concerns among residents. The platform allows the public to report incidents including unlawful detentions, unreasonable searches, excessive force, or unauthorized military involvement in civilian law enforcement and at polling sites.

Federal agents must enforce the law in a lawful and constitutional manner, Bonta said. If anyone believes these standards are not being met, they can report it safely at oag.ca.gov/reportmisconduct.

The Attorney General also clarified that the portal is intended for documentation only, urging residents not to confront federal agents directly. It expands on an existing process for reporting misconduct by local law enforcement, which previously required complainants to first contact the local agency without adequate response.

Since January, Bontas office has filed multiple lawsuits challenging federal deployments, immigration enforcement, and military involvement in California, as well as efforts to condition federal funding on state compliance with immigration policies.

Author: Chloe Ramirez