CA Democrats condemn ICE at gubernatorial debate, name for it to be abolished

[ad_1] NEW Now you can take heed to Fox Information articles!

Democrats taking part in Tuesday night time's California gubernatorial debate unanimously condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with some calling for it to be abolished outright.

"Persons are afraid to even see a physician. When I'm governor, I'll restore universal health care for all, together with undocumented immigrants within the state of California as a result of we all know well being care is a proper," stated State Colleges Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

"I'll work with Congress till we abolish ICE. We [will] create a pathway to citizenship, a greater California is feasible," he added.

Thurmond's message was echoed throughout the stage in San Francisco, from billionaire Tom Steyer to former Secretary of Well being and Human Providers Xavier Becerra.

BORDERS STATE SENATOR WANTS ICE TO BE 'TOTALLY TORN DOWN'

From left, Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee stand on the stage throughout the California gubernatorial candidate debate Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photograph/Laure Andrillon)

"This nation was constructed by immigrants. This state would not work without immigration . After all, we have to have a good, simply system, however that is the precise reverse of that," Steyer informed the viewers.

"You actually cannot reform a company which is completely unsuitable and felony from prime to backside," he continued.

Becerra in the meantime vowed he would "police the immigration police."

TRUMP-ERA ICE AGENTS TARGETED FOR ‘IMMORALITY’ BY DEM TRYING TO BLACKLIST THEM FROM COP, CLASSROOM JOBS

Xavier Becerra, left, and Steve Hilton take part within the California gubernatorial candidate debate Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photograph/Laure Andrillon)

The 2 California mayors on the stage, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, fell wanting calling for ICE to be abolished outright. Mahan accused federal brokers of threatening folks's "rights and civil liberties."

Villaraigosa was extra aggressive, evaluating ICE officers to the "Ku Klux Klan," describing them as "dressed from head to toe, all lined up just like the Ku Klux Klan with assault weapons, flash bang grenades, beating up on girls, youngsters and innocents."

Former California state controller Betty Yee was probably the most muted on the difficulty, saying she inspired migrants and protesters to take a "know your rights" coaching and claiming that immigrants within the state are taxpayers.

Antonio Villaraigosa, left, listens to Betty Yee throughout the California gubernatorial candidate debate Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photograph/Laure Andrillon)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"When folks perceive that immigrants are such a contributor to our economic system and to our society right here in California … and that is what we'll construct collectively. We're a sanctuary state," Yee stated. "Ice has no enterprise coming in and tearing up communities, tearing up households."

Tuesday's debate was the second of the state's democratic major race, with the first election scheduled for June 2.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox Information Digital masking nationwide politics and main breaking information occasions. Ship tricks to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on X: @Hagstrom_Anders.