California Gubernatorial Debate: Call for Abolishing ICE
During the California gubernatorial debate on Tuesday night, Democratic lawmakers came together to express their unified opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with some advocating for its complete abolition.
State Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond emphasized the fear many experience regarding healthcare access, saying, “If I were governor, I would restore universal health care to everyone, including undocumented immigrants in California, because we know health care is a right.” He further noted, “I intend to work with Congress until we abolish ICE. Creating a path to citizenship makes a better California possible.”
This sentiment found resonance among other candidates on stage in San Francisco, including billionaire Tom Steyer and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Steyer stated, “This country was built by immigrants. It cannot exist without them. Of course, we need a fair and just system, which is, frankly, the exact opposite of what we have now.” He added that reforming ICE seems nearly impossible due to its fundamentally flawed structure.
Becerra, on the other hand, vowed to strengthen oversight on immigration enforcement. Interestingly, while San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa shared the stage, they refrained from outright calls for ICE’s dissolution. Mahan raised concerns about federal threats to civil liberties, while Villaraigosa took a more aggressive stance, likening ICE agents to the Ku Klux Klan for their intimidating tactics.
Former California Secretary of State Betty Yee maintained a less vocal position, instead focusing on educating immigrants about their rights and insisting on their role as taxpayers. She noted, “If people understand that immigrants make tremendous contributions to the economy and society here in California… and that’s what we’ll build together. We’re a sanctuary nation.” She articulated a vision where communities aren’t torn apart by ICE.
This debate was part of the ongoing Democratic primary process in the state, with the next primary scheduled for June 2nd.
