California Dems Condemn ICE During Gubernatorial Debate

Candidates call for abolishing or reforming the federal immigration agency

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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During the California Democratic gubernatorial debate, the candidates unanimously condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with some calling for the agency to be abolished outright. The candidates criticized ICE's tactics and vowed to protect immigrant communities if elected.

Why it matters

The debate highlights the deep divide within the Democratic party over immigration policy and the role of federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE. The candidates' strong stances could influence the party's platform and shape the broader immigration debate in California and nationally.

The details

Several candidates, including State Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond and billionaire Tom Steyer, called for abolishing ICE, while others like former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra vowed to "police the immigration police." The two California mayors on the stage, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, were more measured, with Mahan accusing ICE of threatening people's "rights and civil liberties" and Villaraigosa comparing ICE officers to the "Ku Klux Klan." Former California state controller Betty Yee took a slightly softer tone, encouraging migrants and protesters to take "know your rights" training and claiming that immigrants are valuable contributors to the state's economy.

  • The debate took place on Tuesday night.
  • The California Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 2.

The players

Tony Thurmond

California State Schools Superintendent who called for abolishing ICE and restoring universal healthcare for undocumented immigrants.

Tom Steyer

Billionaire Democratic candidate who called for abolishing ICE, saying "You really can't reform an organization which is absolutely wrong and criminal from top to bottom."

Xavier Becerra

Former California Secretary of Health and Human Services who vowed to "police the immigration police."

Matt Mahan

San Jose Mayor who accused ICE of threatening people's "rights and civil liberties."

Antonio Villaraigosa

Former Los Angeles Mayor who compared ICE officers to the "Ku Klux Klan."

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What they’re saying

“People are afraid to even see a doctor. When I am governor, I will restore universal health care for all, including undocumented immigrants in the state of California because we know health care is a right.”

— Tony Thurmond, State Schools Superintendent (foxnews.com)

“This country was built by immigrants. This state doesn't work without immigration. Of course, we need to have a fair, just system, but this is the exact opposite of that.”

— Tom Steyer (foxnews.com)

“You really can't reform an organization which is absolutely wrong and criminal from top to bottom.”

— Tom Steyer (foxnews.com)

“Ice has no business coming in and tearing up communities, tearing up families.”

— Betty Yee, Former California State Controller (foxnews.com)

“When people understand that immigrants are such a contributor to our economy and to our society here in California … and that's what we're going to build together. We are a sanctuary state.”

— Betty Yee, Former California State Controller (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The California Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 2, where voters will choose the party's nominee for governor.

The takeaway

The California Democratic gubernatorial candidates' strong condemnation of ICE and calls for reform or abolition of the agency highlight the party's shift on immigration policy and the growing influence of progressive voices within the Democratic party.