GOP Candidate Bianco Backs ICE Enforcement for California Governor

Riverside County Sheriff running on law-and-order platform as top GOP contender

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for California governor, has voiced support for allowing federal immigration authorities to operate freely in the state, a stance that has become a key part of his law-and-order campaign platform as he seeks to unseat the incumbent Democratic governor.

Why it matters

Bianco's pro-ICE stance puts him at odds with California's sanctuary state policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. This issue has become a flashpoint in the governor's race, with Bianco positioning himself as a tough-on-crime candidate who will crack down on undocumented immigration.

The details

In recent comments, Bianco has said he would allow ICE to operate without restrictions in California if elected governor, arguing that the agency plays a vital role in reducing crime and addressing the state's homelessness crisis. Bianco has also been critical of the incumbent governor's approach to immigration enforcement.

  • Bianco was first elected Riverside County Sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
  • Bianco launched his campaign for California governor in early 2026.

The players

Chad Bianco

The Republican sheriff of Riverside County who is running for governor of California on a law-and-order platform that includes support for increased ICE enforcement.

Riverside County

A county in Southern California where Bianco has served as sheriff since 2018.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Bianco's pro-ICE stance represents a sharp contrast with California's current sanctuary state policies, and could become a defining issue in the governor's race as he seeks to position himself as a tough-on-crime alternative to the incumbent.