Exclusive | Congress Republicans ask DOJ to challenge Californias Stop Nick Shirley Act

Backlash is growing after California Gov.Gavin Newsom signed a new law that critics claim would block people from investigating fraud in immigration services — with congressional Republicans now calling on the Justice Department to intervene.Newsom, a Democrat, signed the controversial law last week, prompting critics to accuse the governor of trying to shield people accused of fraud from public scrutiny.Now, eight members of Congress are demanding that US Attorney General Todd Blanche investigate the measure and take legal action to stop it from taking effect.In a letter first shared with The California Post, the lawmakers, led by California Rep.

James Gallagher, said the law could interfere with efforts to expose alleged fraud.“The important work of uncovering and addressing fraud is just beginning, and yet California Democrats and Governor Newsom are taking brazen and potentially unconstitutional steps to impede it,” the letter read.Gallagher was joined by California Reps.Vince Fong, Young Kim and Tom McClintock.

Rep.August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, also backed the letter.Republicans have dubbed the measure the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” — a reference to the YouTuber who has made a name for himself confronting immigrant services providers over alleged fraud and posting the encounters online.The law, which takes effect in October 2027, prohibits people from posting photos or personal information about an immigrant services provider online when it is done for purposes of harassment or violence.The measure also allows an immigrant services provider to sue in court and seek at least $4,000 in damages from someone who violates the law.But critics say the legislation goes far beyond protecting people from threats — arguing it could have a chilling effect on those trying to expose alleged wrongdoing.They have also questioned whether the law was crafted with Shirley in mind after his viral videos spotlighted alleged fraud involvin...