Nick Shirley says California bill aims to shield NGOs from scrutiny

Independent journalist Nick Shirley accused California lawmakers of trying to shield taxpayer-funded organizations from scrutiny after the state Legislature passed AB 2624, the so-called “Stop Nick Shirley Act”; The author says the author aims to protect immigration service providers from harassment and threats.

“Honestly, I’m frustrated,” Shirley said during an appearance on “Fox News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher on Wednesday night.

“What’s interesting about this is that this bill protects NGOs and non-profits,” said Shirley. “These are organizations and groups that take our tax money, but they want to do it so we can’t find out what they’re doing with our tax money.”

Shirley argued that the proposal would deter investigations into organizations that receive public funds.

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The comments came after Gallagher heard remarks from Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, D-Oakland, who wrote the legislation, who said immigrant service providers face harassment, doxxing campaigns and threats.

Shirley opposed supporters of AB 2624, arguing that the law would expose researchers and journalists to legal risks when examining organizations that receive public funding. (Screenshot)

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Shirley denied the claim that her reporting amounted to harassment.

“My answer is stop using these communities, scam them, and no one will engage in any speculation that fraud is occurring when we know the fraud is very real,” said Shirley.

Citing her previous report, Shirley noted cases of alleged fraud involving nonprofits in Minnesota and hospice operators in California.

“Somalis in Minnesota stole hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, and then the hospice fraud that happened in California,” Shirley said. “Everyone was saying it was a hoax. After I went and exposed the hospice fraud, her husband actually tried to take credit for exposing the hospice fraud.”

Conservative figures including Rep. Tim Burchett, actor Dean Cain and activist Lily Tang Williams weighed in online after Shirley criticized the California law. (Getty Images)

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Shirley was referring to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, husband of Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, who did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

“The scam has been going on for so long. The scammers thought they could get away with it for so long, and so many people started committing the scam.”

In an X post, shirley claimed The bill would put journalists at civil risk due to fraud investigations involving immigration support services, nonprofits, and healthcare facilities. He argued that investigators could face injunctive relief, attorney fees and statutory damages if covered entities claim there was a reasonable fear for their safety.

The post received support from numerous elected officials and political commentators. Representative Tim Burchett replied“This is Democrat leadership.”

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Republican New Hampshire congressional candidate Lily Tang Williams defended Taxpayers need to be concerned with the legislation.

“California taxpayers should be outraged about this,” Williams said. “If CA signs this bill to protect fraudsters, the Federal government must fight against it.”

AB 2624, titled “Privacy of Immigration Support Services Providers,” passed the House and was sent to the California Senate on Wednesday. The measure would establish privacy and address confidentiality protections for immigration service providers who face documented threats or harassment as a result of their work.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Councilwoman Mia Bonta for comment but did not immediately hear back.