Justice

The light from flashlights illuminates the feet of a group of people standing near a sidewalk during a dark morning.

Justice

Immigration arrests surge by 1,500% in San Diego: ‘I feel the temperature rising’

San Diego doesn't feel like a city under siege by Border Patrol, but it's the scene of a dramatic increase in immigration arrests during President Trump's crackdown.

By

Wendy Fry

and

Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett

• January 29, 2026

Oakland police officers walk through a crime scene outside the West Oakland BART station on Jan. 3, 2018. Photo by Gabrielle Lurie, San Francisco Chronicle via AP

Justice

California cities just saw their lowest homicide rates in decades. It’s not clear why

Homicides in California surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, killings are down to historic lows in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco and many other cities.

By

Nigel Duara

• January 26, 2026

Three demonstrators stand in the rain holding umbrellas and a large transgender pride flag, with one person holding a sign reading “History has its eyes on you,” outside a brightly lit hospital sign at dusk.

Health

Feds drop effort to get trans patients’ records from LA children’s hospital

Families sued to block the Justice Department's subpoena for records of young transgender patients. The agency agreed to drop its request through 2029.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• January 24, 2026

Two people stand talking on a paved roadway under a clear blue sky, one gesturing with a hand while the other listens, with a large fenced detention facility visible in the background.

Justice

California’s newest ICE center has 1,400 detainees. What Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla saw there

California Democratic Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff visited the newest and largest ICE detention center in the state, a former prison in Kern County. CoreCivic operates this site.

By

Wendy Fry

• January 20, 2026

Justice

‘They’re escalating’: A Q&A with Rob Bonta on Trump’s immigration crackdown

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued the Trump administration more than 50 times. One recent victory ended a National Guard deployment in Los Angeles.

By

Nigel Duara

• January 15, 2026

Justice

Many California prisoners get a second chance. A declining parole rate shows that’s no guarantee

Many California prisoners can get a chance at release through expanded parole opportunities. But gaining release requires someone to demonstrate personal growth and accountability before the state Parole Board.

By

Joe Garcia

• January 13, 2026

On the steps of a building at night, two people hug beside a microphone, while rows of small orange traffic cones and string lights line the stairs, each cone paired with a photo of a person, creating a memorial-like display.

Investigation

Lawmaker targets repeat drunk drivers as part of larger push to fix problems exposed by CalMatters

The DUI bill is intended to be the “tip of the spear” in a movement to address how California allows dangerous drivers to stay on the roads.

By

Lauren Hepler

and

Robert Lewis

• January 8, 2026

Two people pose closely outdoors, one standing behind with arms wrapped around the other’s shoulders. Both look toward the camera with relaxed expressions, sunlight filtering through trees in the background, creating a soft, shallow-focus portrait.

Justice

He spent 7 weeks in ICE detention. Why his case shows new legal obstacles for immigrants

An immigration judge granted Idris Demirtas' release from detention, but that wasn't enough to reunite him with his wife in San Diego.

By

Wendy Fry

• January 7, 2026

A group of law enforcement officers in full riot gear stands in formation at night, illuminated by bright vehicle headlights behind them. The officers wear camouflage uniforms, helmets with visors, gas masks, and carry batons. A police vehicle is partially visible in the background.

Justice

Trump’s immigration crackdown upended life in California. It continues as the new year begins

President Trump focused on California first as his administration rolled out its crackdown on unauthorized immigration, sending the National Guard to Los Angeles and carrying out high profile raids throughout the state.

By

Wendy Fry

• December 29, 2025

A view of law enforcement officers, through an opening hole of a broken wire fence, standing guard during a protest.

Justice

How justice changed in California in 2025: Prop. 36 toughened penalties, prisons kept shrinking

Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2025 announced the closure of another prison, a shutdown that's possible because the state is incarcerating far fewer people than it did just a decade ago.

By

Nigel Duara

• December 26, 2025