YouTuber Nick Shirley A California measure aimed at protecting immigrants and service providers from abuse was allegedly crafted specifically in response to his investigative reporting, sparking intense political debate. This week, the controversy escalated further california Parliament approved the bill.
The bill passed the California Assembly by a vote of 57 to 19 on May 26 and has now been transferred to the Senate for consideration.
Read more: ‘Nearly taken hostage’: Nick Shirley stranded in Cuba plotting ‘escape’ route
What is AB 2624 or the “Stop Nick Shirley Act”?
Assembly Bill 2624 (AB 2624) has been dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act” by conservative Shirley, who is known for uploading videos investigating alleged fraud, homelessness programs and immigration fraud.
AB 2624 was introduced by California Assemblywoman Mia Bonta earlier this year. Its official name is “Privacy for Immigration Support Service Providers”.
According to the text of the bill, it seeks to extend California’s existing “Safer at Home” confidentiality protections to immigrant support service providers, employees and volunteers who face threats, harassment or violence as a result of their work.
The text of the bill states that people would be prohibited from posting, selling or sharing online personal information or images of immigration service providers, their employees, volunteers or family members if the intent is to promote harassment, violence or credible threats. It would also create new criminal offenses and impose additional responsibilities on local agencies.
Read more: Nick Shirley claims ‘death threats’ made staying in hotel dangerous
Why did the Conservatives and Nick Shirley oppose the bill?
Shirley has built a large following through video, street interviews and direct questioning investigating alleged fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs and nonprofits. His video claiming fraud at a Somali-run daycare in Minnesota went viral in December 2025. However, the claims in the video are unsubstantiated.
According to the YouTuber, AB 2624 will make it more difficult to expose wrongdoing involving organizations that serve immigrant communities.
Shirley claimed in an X post discussing the legislation that the bill could be used to intimidate journalists and citizen investigators, exposing them to lawsuits, attorney fees and financial penalties.
He argued that investigations into alleged fraud involving immigrant support groups could create legal risks if workers claimed they faced “reasonable fear” or harassment.
Conservatives and critics have also expressed these concerns. Some believe the proposal could have a chilling effect on watchdog reporting and citizen journalism.
Republican Carl DeMaio said, “Under AB 2624, entities like Learing Day Care Center in Somalia would be covered if they operate within California.”
