California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law allowing non-U.S. citizens to work as police officers. A Brazilian national, Felipe Gomes, hired under this law, was arrested for rape despite a prior domestic violence arrest. He was terminated and released on bond. Concerns were raised about his past by other law enforcement agencies.
Key Points
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2022 allowing non-U.S. citizens to work as police officers in California
Felipe Gomes, a Brazilian national hired under this law, was arrested for rape despite a previous domestic violence arrest
Gomes was terminated by the Belmont Police Department after his arrest
Pros
Diversity in law enforcement
Cons
Potential risks in hiring non-U.S. citizens as police officers