California Gubernatorial Candidates Condemn ICE During Debate

Democratic hopefuls call for abolishing or reforming the federal immigration agency

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During a California gubernatorial debate, Democratic candidates unanimously condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with some calling for the agency to be abolished outright. The candidates, including State Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond, billionaire Tom Steyer, and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, criticized ICE's tactics and vowed to take action against the agency if elected.

Why it matters

The strong anti-ICE rhetoric from the Democratic candidates reflects the growing sentiment among progressives to reform or dismantle the federal immigration enforcement agency, which has been accused of overzealous tactics and human rights abuses. The issue is likely to be a key focus in the California gubernatorial race, as the state has positioned itself as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.

The details

During the debate, Thurmond said he would "work with Congress until we abolish ICE" and "create a pathway to citizenship" for undocumented immigrants. Steyer called ICE "absolutely wrong and criminal from top to bottom," while Becerra pledged to "police the immigration police." The two mayors on stage, San Jose's Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, were less extreme but still critical, with Villaraigosa comparing ICE agents to the "Ku Klux Klan." Only former state controller Betty Yee took a more measured approach, encouraging immigrants to know their rights but still calling for ICE to stay out of California communities.

  • The California gubernatorial debate took place on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Tony Thurmond

California State Schools Superintendent and Democratic gubernatorial candidate who called for abolishing ICE and providing universal healthcare to undocumented immigrants.

Tom Steyer

Billionaire Democratic gubernatorial candidate who described ICE as "absolutely wrong and criminal from top to bottom."

Xavier Becerra

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

Matt Mahan

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

Antonio Villaraigosa

Former Mayor of Los Angeles and Democratic gubernatorial candidate who compared ICE agents to the "Ku Klux Klan."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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 and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate (1010wcsi.com)

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

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate (1010wcsi.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, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate (1010wcsi.com)

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

— Betty Yee, Former California State Controller and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate (1010wcsi.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 and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The California Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, where voters will choose the party's nominee for governor.

The takeaway

The strong anti-ICE rhetoric from the Democratic gubernatorial candidates reflects the growing progressive movement to reform or dismantle the federal immigration enforcement agency, which has become a lightning rod for criticism over its tactics and treatment of undocumented immigrants. This issue is likely to be a major focus in the California governor's race as the state continues to position itself as a sanctuary for immigrants.