From left, Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee stand on the stage during the California gubernatorial candidate debate Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Laure Andrillon)
"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," Steyer told the audience.
"You really can't reform an organization which is absolutely wrong and criminal from top to bottom," he continued.
Becerra meanwhile vowed he would "police the immigration police."
Antonio Villaraigosa, left, listens to Betty Yee during the California gubernatorial candidate debate Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Laure Andrillon)
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"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," Yee said. "Ice has no business coming in and tearing up communities, tearing up families."
Tuesday's debate was the second of the state's democratic primary race, with the primary election scheduled for June 2.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on X: @Hagstrom_Anders.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/california-dems-lash-out-ice-during-gubernatorial-debate