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Newsom Signs Package of Bills Restricting ICE Tactics, Including Ban on Shock Gloves

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 11 outlets across the spectrum.

14 articles in total, 3 of them opinion. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed more than 20 bills on Tuesday aimed at limiting federal immigration enforcement in the state, according to his office. The package includes a ban on law enforcement officers using electric-shock gloves, which takes effect next year and lasts through 2030 and applies to local, state and federal officers. ICE had recently purchased about 6,000 pairs of the gloves, according to Mother Jones. Another law, the “No Kings Act” (SB 747), allows people to sue federal agents in state court for civil rights violations, though it does not eliminate the federal qualified-immunity defense, according to Reason. A U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, said the state lacks jurisdiction to regulate federal agents and urged them to disregard the new laws.

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. Newsom signed more than 20 bills on Tuesday addressing immigration enforcement in California.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. One new law bans local, state and federal officers from using electric-shock gloves, effective next year through 2030.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  3. ICE had purchased roughly 6,000 pairs of the shock gloves before the ban.

    Reported byLeft

  4. The “No Kings Act” (SB 747) allows Californians to sue federal agents for constitutional rights violations, but does not eliminate the qualified immunity defense.

    Reported byRight

  5. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said California has no authority to regulate federal agents and told them to ignore the shock-glove law.

    Reported byRight

  6. A separate bill that would bar ICE agents accused of misconduct from later holding California state jobs remains unsigned.

    Reported byRight

What is contested

Where accounts differ

Points the coverage does not agree on, and who says what.

  • Whether California has legal authority to regulate federal immigration agents

    First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the state has no jurisdiction over federal agents and urged them to ignore the shock-glove ban; Newsom's office describes the laws as legitimate oversight measures.

  • Whether the No Kings Act meaningfully increases legal exposure for ICE agents

    Reason reports the law allows suits against federal agents but notes qualified immunity remains a viable defense, limiting its practical impact; Breitbart's headline frames the law as making it easier to sue ICE agents without noting this limitation.

  • Characterization of Newsom's motives

    TheBlaze suggests Newsom is acting to bolster a potential 2028 presidential run; other outlets report the signings without attributing this motive.

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    3 outlets

    Left-leaning outlets frame the signings as protective measures against federal immigration tactics, with the Associated Press report (published by The Guardian) and Mother Jones centering the shock-glove ban and ICE's use of the devices.

    California Bans Loaded modifier“ICE’s Favorite”Personifies ICE's preference for the gloves in a mocking tone rather than describing them neutrally.More neutral: Electric-Shock Gloves Used by ICEDisagree with this highlight? Shock Gloves
    Mother JonesFar LeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    2 outlets

    Center outlets report the signings factually, with the AP report (published by PBS) focused on the shock-glove ban and broader immigrant-rights bills, while The Hill's headline incorporates the administration's own “Orwellian” characterization of federal tactics.

    Newsom bars ICE from using shock gloves, other Partisan shorthand“'Orwellian' tactics”Characterizes federal immigration enforcement as totalitarian without establishing that as fact, even though it is quoted languageMore neutral: immigration tacticsThis appears inside a quotation. The outlet is reporting someone else’s words.Disagree with this highlight? in California
    The HillCenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    6 outlets · 2 opinion

    Right-leaning outlets vary from straightforward wire reporting to framing that emphasizes lawsuits against ICE agents, DOJ mockery of Newsom, and skepticism toward the laws' practical effect, with Breitbart and TheBlaze adopting a more combative tone than the Washington Times or Center Square.

    Gavin Newsom Loaded verb“targets ICE agents”Frames the laws as an attack on individuals rather than describing the regulatory action neutrallyMore neutral: restricts ICE agents' tacticsDisagree with this highlight? with shock-glove ban, job blacklist — but feds tell them to ignore him
    New York PostRightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left2

    roundly condemned by human rights groupsICE’s Favorite

  • Center0

    No loaded words in its own voice.

  • Right11

    left-wing migrant activiststargetcrack down onbragging

In the outlets’ own words

  • Loaded modifier

    left-wing migrant activistsMore neutral: immigrant rights advocates

    Labels people who might use the law as partisan activists rather than describing them neutrally as advocates or plaintiffs.

    Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed the "No Kings Act," which makes it easier for left-wing migrant activists and others to sue ICE agents.

    Used byBreitbart News (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    targetMore neutral: sue

    Describes lawsuits against ICE agents as 'targeting' them, implying malicious intent rather than legal recourse.

    …the “No Kings Act,” makes it easier for left-wing migrant activists and others to target Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

    Used byBreitbart News (Far Right)

  • Vague attribution

    roundly condemned by human rights groupsMore neutral: criticized by some human rights organizations

    Attributes a sweeping condemnation to unnamed 'human rights groups' without specifying who made the claim.

    …recently purchased about 6,000 pairs of the gloves, which have been roundly condemned by human rights groups as “inherently abusive equipment that facilitates torture”—for $16.7…

    Used byMother Jones (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    ICE’s FavoriteMore neutral: Electric-Shock Gloves Used by ICE

    Personifies ICE's preference for the gloves in a mocking tone rather than describing them neutrally.

    California Bans ICE’s Favorite Shock Gloves

    Used byMother Jones (Far Left)

Show 9 more phrasesShow fewer

  • Loaded verb

    crack down onMore neutral: impose new regulations on

    Frames the bills targeting private detention facilities as an aggressive crackdown rather than describing the regulatory action neutrally.

    …Newsom early Tuesday signed several bills to protect California’s immigrants, crack down on private jails and prisons, and keep U.S.

    Used byThe Center Square (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    braggingMore neutral: announcing

    Portrays the governor's office's public statements as boastful rather than neutrally reporting the announcement.

    Gavin Newsom’s press office spent Tuesday bragging that the governor had signed a package of bills to fight what it called President…

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    MocksMore neutral: Criticizes

    Characterizes the official's remarks as mockery rather than neutrally describing his criticism or response.

    ‘You’re Going to Write Us a Ticket?’ — Essayli Mocks Newsom’s ICE Weapon Bans, Tells DHS to Ignore

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    Good Luck Getting Past Qualified ImmunityMore neutral: But Qualified Immunity Still Applies

    Uses sarcastic phrasing to editorialize about the law's effectiveness before presenting the facts

    Good Luck Getting Past Qualified Immunity.

    Used byReason (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    in an attempt to bolster his image ahead of a possible presidential runMore neutral: amid speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run

    Assigns a political motive to Newsom without attribution to any source

    …as the foremost opponent to the Trump administration in an attempt to bolster his image ahead of a possible presidential run in 2028.

    Used byTheBlaze (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    hilariously MOCKSMore neutral: responds to

    Injects the writer's own amusement and framing of the exchange as mockery rather than describing the dispute neutrally

    DOJ hilariously MOCKS Newsom after he signs bills to restrict ICE operations in California

    Used byTheBlaze (Far Right)

  • Vague attribution

    has been slammedMore neutral: has been criticized by Republicans

    Attributes criticism to unnamed parties without specifying who is criticizing the governor

    Gavin Newsom has been slammed for signing a raft of laws targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents –…

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    controversial moveMore neutral: move

    Labels the legislative action as controversial without attributing that characterization to a specific source

    …to the ban on “wearable electroshock devices,” Newsom backed state Democrats’ controversial move to prohibit ICE agents accused of serious misconduct from later being employed…

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    targets ICE agentsMore neutral: restricts ICE agents' tactics

    Frames the laws as an attack on individuals rather than describing the regulatory action neutrally

    Gavin Newsom targets ICE agents with shock-glove ban, job blacklist — but feds tell them to ignore him

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

Words quoted from someone else (2)Hide the quoted words

Loaded words that outlets reported someone else saying. They show what was said, not how the outlet chose to say it.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    inherently abusive equipment that facilitates tortureMore neutral: equipment critics say causes excessive pain

    Uses extreme language ('torture') to characterize the equipment, presenting a contested characterization as a settled description.

    …which have been roundly condemned by human rights groups as “inherently abusive equipment that facilitates torture”—for $16.7 million dollars.

    Quoted byMother Jones (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Partisan shorthand

    Quoted

    'Orwellian' tacticsMore neutral: immigration tactics

    Characterizes federal immigration enforcement as totalitarian without establishing that as fact, even though it is quoted language

    Newsom bars ICE from using shock gloves, other 'Orwellian' tactics in California

    Quoted byThe Hill (Center)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

3 outlets

Leads with

  • bills as protections for immigrants
  • the shock-glove ban and ICE's purchase of the gloves
  • pushback against Trump administration immigration tactics

Leaves out

  • DOJ/Essayli's response disputing California's jurisdiction
  • details of the No Kings Act lawsuit provision and qualified immunity

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 3 headlines from the leftHide the headlines
  • Mother JonesFar Left

    California Bans Loaded modifier“ICE’s Favorite”Personifies ICE's preference for the gloves in a mocking tone rather than describing them neutrally.More neutral: Electric-Shock Gloves Used by ICEDisagree with this highlight? Shock Gloves

    On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill banning law enforcement officers in the state from using electrical shock gloves, a “pain compliance” tool and recent hit with ICE officers that function similarly to tasers at a lower voltage. …

    Read at Mother Jones (opens in a new tab)
  • The GuardianLeftAssociated Press report

    California bans officers’ use of electric-shock gloves after ICE reveals plan to equip agents

    State passes law banning local, state and federal officers from using gloves that deliver painful electric shocks California has passed a law Tuesday banning local, state and federal law enforcement officers from using gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks to people . …

    Read at The Guardian (opens in a new tab)
  • Los Angeles TimesLeft

    Newsom signs bills pushing back on Trump's immigration agenda

    The more than 20 bills approved by the governor Tuesday were crafted to thwart tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, while others are meant to boost state oversight of federal detention centers in the state.

    Read at Los Angeles Times (opens in a new tab)

From the center

2 outlets

Leads with

  • the shock-glove ban's scope and timeline
  • the broader package of immigrant-rights bills

Leaves out

  • DOJ/Essayli's response and jurisdictional dispute
  • details of the No Kings Act's qualified immunity limits

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 2 headlines from the centerHide the headlines
  • The HillCenter

    Newsom bars ICE from using shock gloves, other Partisan shorthand“'Orwellian' tactics”Characterizes federal immigration enforcement as totalitarian without establishing that as fact, even though it is quoted languageMore neutral: immigration tacticsThis appears inside a quotation. The outlet is reporting someone else’s words.Disagree with this highlight? in California

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Tuesday signed into law a state ban on law enforcement use of electric shock gloves in the Democrat's latest push back against the Trump administration's "Orwellian immigration tactics. …

    Read at The Hill (opens in a new tab)
  • PBS NewsHourCenterAssociated Press report

    Newsom signs California law banning officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks

    In California, lawmakers passed at least two dozen bills this year seeking to fortify immigrants' rights, restrict cooperation with federal immigration agents and tighten regulations on immigrant detention facilities, among other things.

    Read at PBS NewsHour (opens in a new tab)

From the right

6 outlets · 2 opinion

Leads with

  • the No Kings Act's lawsuit provision against ICE agents
  • DOJ/Essayli's dismissal of California's authority
  • skepticism about whether the laws will have practical effect
  • Newsom's possible 2028 political ambitions

Leaves out

  • ICE's reported purchase of 6,000 pairs of shock gloves

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 8 headlines from the rightHide the headlines
  • New York PostRight

    Gavin Newsom Loaded verb“targets ICE agents”Frames the laws as an attack on individuals rather than describing the regulatory action neutrallyMore neutral: restricts ICE agents' tacticsDisagree with this highlight? with shock-glove ban, job blacklist — but feds tell them to ignore him

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday signed multiple bills that his office said would expand oversight of federal immigration enforcement in California.

    Read at New York Post (opens in a new tab)
    1 more from New York Post
  • RedStateFar Right

    ‘You’re Going to Write Us a Ticket?’ — Essayli Loaded verb“Mocks”Characterizes the official's remarks as mockery rather than neutrally describing his criticism or response.More neutral: CriticizesDisagree with this highlight? Newsom’s ICE Weapon Bans, Tells DHS to Ignore

    Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office spent Tuesday Loaded verb“bragging”Portrays the governor's office's public statements as boastful rather than neutrally reporting the announcement.More neutral: announcingDisagree with this highlight? that the governor had signed a package of bills to fight what it called President Trump’s “Orwellian immigration tactics used to terrorize people.”

    Read at RedState (opens in a new tab)
  • The Center SquareRight

    Newsom signs immigration bills to bolster state protections

    (The Center Square) – Gov. Gavin Newsom early Tuesday signed several bills to protect California’s immigrants, crack down on private jails and prisons, and keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers out of the state’s police departments.

    Read at The Center Square (opens in a new tab)
  • The Washington TimesRightAssociated Press report

    New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Tuesday banning local, state and federal law enforcement officers from using gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks to people.

    Read at The Washington Times (opens in a new tab)
  • Breitbart NewsFar Right

    CA Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs 'No Kings Act,' Making It Easier to Sue ICE Agents

    Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed the "No Kings Act," which makes it easier for Loaded modifier“left-wing migrant activists”Labels people who might use the law as partisan activists rather than describing them neutrally as advocates or plaintiffs.More neutral: immigrant rights advocatesDisagree with this highlight? and others to sue ICE agents.

    Read at Breitbart News (opens in a new tab)
  • The Epoch TimesFar Right

    Newsom Signs Laws Banning Shock Gloves and Taxing Immigration Detention Centers

    The package of 21 bills also includes a revised ban on officers wearing masks after a federal judge blocked California's first one.

    Read at The Epoch Times (opens in a new tab)
  • TheBlazeFar RightOpinion

    DOJ Sensational language“hilariously MOCKS”Injects the writer's own amusement and framing of the exchange as mockery rather than describing the dispute neutrallyMore neutral: responds toDisagree with this highlight? Newsom after he signs bills to restrict ICE operations in California

    California Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom is getting mocked by a U.S. attorney after he signed new orders intended to restrict federal immigration operations in his state. …

    Read at TheBlaze (opens in a new tab)
  • ReasonRightOpinion

    You Can Now Sue Federal Agents in California. Sensational language“Good Luck Getting Past Qualified Immunity”Uses sarcastic phrasing to editorialize about the law's effectiveness before presenting the factsMore neutral: But Qualified Immunity Still AppliesDisagree with this highlight?.

    Californians can now sue federal officers for civil rights violations, but cops can still claim qualified immunity as a bona fide defense for official misconduct.

    Read at Reason (opens in a new tab)

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    First to report

    Los Angeles Times, Sep 29, 11:24 AM EDT

  • Center

    5 hr 54 min later

    Its first report, Sep 29, 5:18 PM EDT

  • Right

    4 hr 11 min later

    Its first report, Sep 29, 3:35 PM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. Los Angeles TimesLeftSep 29, 11:24 AM EDT
  2. The Epoch TimesFar RightSep 29, 3:35 PM EDT
  3. The GuardianLeftSep 29, 3:59 PM EDT
  4. PBS NewsHourCenterSep 29, 5:18 PM EDT
  5. Breitbart NewsFar RightSep 29, 6:04 PM EDT
  6. Mother JonesFar LeftSep 29, 6:19 PM EDT
  7. The Washington TimesRightSep 29, 6:32 PM EDT
  8. The Center SquareRightSep 29, 7:25 PM EDT
  9. RedStateFar RightSep 29, 7:53 PM EDT
  10. The HillCenterSep 30, 9:04 AM EDT
  11. New York PostRightSep 30, 7:49 PM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out.

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