California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) are speaking out against the Trump Administration’s decision to cut over $800 million in federal grants supporting community violence intervention (CVI) programs nationwide.

      The state officials say the move, led by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, threatens public safety and disrupts efforts to prevent gun violence and support victims.

In a strongly worded statement, Bonta criticized the cuts, calling them “dangerous” and “irresponsible.”

      “The Trump Administration is recklessly disregarding the safety of the people it is sworn to serve,” Bonta said. He added that eliminating these programs, which help victims heal and reduce violence, undermines both California’s and the nation’s progress. “If the Administration truly cared about public safety, it wouldn’t cut programs that are saving lives today,” Bonta said.

Gipson echoed Bonta’s concerns.

      “This move undermines years of progress and puts lives at risk,” he said, emphasizing that many California CVI organizations now face difficult decisions, such as scaling back or shutting down entirely. “Cutting millions for California alone sends a clear message: that community safety is not a priority for this administration.”

      The funding cuts affect several organizations across California. Programs like Advance Peace in Fresno, Youth ALIVE! in Oakland, and Urban Peace Institute in Los Angeles are among those losing millions in support. Advocates say these groups have played a key role in providing trauma recovery, preventing retaliation, and helping at-risk individuals avoid gun violence and gang involvement.

      Bonta has held roundtables with CVI leaders to highlight their successes. He stressed the need for stable funding to support these efforts. “We urge the Administration to reinstate these vital grants and for lawmakers to continue to invest in lifesaving violence prevention and victim care,” Bonta said.

      Community leaders warn the cuts will dismantle years of progress and put more lives at risk. Gipson, Bonta, and their partners are calling on the federal government to reverse course immediately.

Several community violence intervention programs in California lost federal funding without warning include:

  • Advance Peace in Fresno lost a $2 million grant, leading to staff reductions.
  • Youth ALIVE! in Oakland had its $2 million grant revoked, impacting the nation’s first hospital-based violence intervention program.
  • Urban Peace Institute in Los Angeles lost $1.5 million in funding for training and certifying street outreach workers.
  • Centro Cha Inc in Los Angeles was stripped of $1.5 million in federal support.
  • Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission lost $2 million in funding.
  • The Reverence Project in Los Angeles had its $2 million grant terminated.
  • Providence Health System in Southern California lost nearly $2 million in funding.