Steyer Unveils Plan to Prosecute ICE Leadership

Billionaire candidate proposes jailing federal agents, calling immigration agency a 'violent extremist group'

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A cinematic, Hopper-esque painting of a lone figure in a dark suit standing on a shadowy city street, with the faint outline of an ICE vehicle in the background, conveying a sense of solitude and unease.Steyer's plan to prosecute ICE leadership reflects the growing tensions between California and the federal government over immigration enforcement.San Diego Today

Tom Steyer, a Democratic candidate for California governor, has released a controversial new plan that would take drastic steps to combat U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Steyer's plan includes prosecuting ICE leadership, creating a legal defense network for detained immigrants, and launching a public awareness campaign. The plan has drawn immediate condemnation from conservatives, who have accused Steyer of 'incitement' and 'far-left extremism'.

Why it matters

Steyer's proposal is a bold and confrontational approach to addressing the controversial policies and actions of the federal immigration agency. It highlights the deep partisan divisions over immigration enforcement and the role of states in challenging federal authority. The plan could galvanize progressive voters but also risks alienating more moderate Democrats and independents.

The details

Steyer's five-part plan includes passing stronger legislation to combat racial profiling, appointing a special task force to prosecute crimes at detention facilities, and launching a 'Know Your Rights' public awareness campaign. The most attention-grabbing part of the plan is to give the California attorney general power to prosecute ICE leadership under the concept of 'supervisory liability,' which holds superior officers liable for the actions of their subordinates.

  • Steyer published the blog post outlining his plan on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Tom Steyer

A Democratic candidate for California governor and a progressive billionaire who is proposing the controversial plan to combat ICE.

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor and former Fox News commentator who has condemned Steyer's plan as 'far-left extremism'.

Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic congressman who has criticized Steyer's past investments in a private prison company that operates immigration detention centers.

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What they’re saying

“'California must build a system that fights fire with fire. To stop this authoritarian takeover, we must counter ICE head-on, and go after both their agents on the streets and their leadership within the Department of Homeland Security.'”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Candidate for California Governor

“'He is calling for federal agents to be targeted on the streets and thrown in jail for enforcing the law. That is incitement. It puts a target on the backs of the men and women in uniform and empowers the most radical anti-government extremists.'”

— Steve Hilton, Republican Candidate for California Governor

“'Steyer's entire campaign is built on the backs of kids in cages.'”

— Eric Swalwell, Former Democratic Congressman

What’s next

The California Attorney General's office has not yet commented on whether they would pursue Steyer's proposed prosecutions of ICE leadership. The plan is likely to face significant legal and political challenges.

The takeaway

Steyer's aggressive plan to combat ICE reflects the deep partisan divisions over immigration enforcement in California and the country. While it may energize progressive voters, the proposal also risks alienating more moderate Democrats and independents. The plan's feasibility and legality remain uncertain, but it underscores the growing tensions between states and the federal government over immigration policy.