California Governor Race: What Immigration Policy Is at Stake
What if the next California governor decides whether your city cooperates with ICE — or fights back? On September 24, 2026, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton faced off in the only scheduled debate before California's November 3 general election, clashing sharply on immigration. For the millions of immigrants living in California, the outcome of this race has direct consequences for deportation defense, local enforcement, and state-level protections.
Two very different visions for immigrants in California
The debate, hosted by CNN in Burbank, made clear that Becerra and Hilton hold opposing views on immigration enforcement. Becerra — the son of Mexican immigrants and a former US Health and Human Services Secretary — accused Hilton of supporting policies that would "welcome immigrants who look like you" while wanting to "deport immigrants who look like me." Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by Donald Trump, called the remark "disgraceful" but did not clearly distance himself from the Trump administration's deportation priorities.
What each candidate's position means for you
Becerra has positioned himself as a firewall against Trump administration immigration enforcement. He has pledged to resist federal pressure on California's sanctuary policies, which limit how much local law enforcement cooperates with ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement). For undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and green card holders living in California, a Becerra governorship likely means the state continues to limit ICE's access to local jails and courts. Hilton, by contrast, has aligned himself with Trump — whose administration has expanded deportation operations, targeted TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders, and pushed to end DACA. A Hilton win could shift California's posture toward greater cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
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The immigration exchange turned personal and pointed to a broader tension: Trump's approval among California likely voters sits below 25%, yet Hilton cannot afford to break with the president's base. Recent polls show Becerra with a significant lead. The November 3 general election will be decided by mail-in ballots, which voters began receiving in early October 2026. This is the only scheduled face-to-face debate before that vote.
What to do
- If you are undocumented or have a pending immigration case in California, track which candidate wins — the governor controls state agencies and can direct how California responds to federal immigration enforcement requests.
- Know your rights now, regardless of the election outcome: you have the right to remain silent if approached by ICE, and you do not have to open your door without a signed judicial warrant.
- If you have a pending green card application, asylum case, work permit (EAD), or removal proceedings, consult an immigration lawyer about how state-level sanctuary policies may — or may not — protect you from federal enforcement.
- Follow official California government sources and USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) announcements for any changes to state cooperation policies after the November 3 election.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
California's sanctuary laws currently prohibit most local agencies from sharing information with ICE or honoring civil immigration detainers without a judicial warrant — but the governor sets the tone for how aggressively those laws are enforced. If you are in removal proceedings or have a final order of removal, a change in state policy does not override federal law: ICE can still act. Anyone with an open immigration case should document their status carefully and consult an immigration attorney to understand what protections actually apply to their specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the California governor control ICE deportations?
No. ICE is a federal agency and the governor cannot stop federal deportation operations. However, the governor can direct state and local agencies not to cooperate with ICE — for example, by enforcing laws that prevent local police from sharing information or holding people in jail for ICE pickup.
If Hilton wins, will California's sanctuary policies end?
Not automatically. Many sanctuary protections are written into California state law, which the governor alone cannot repeal. But the governor can choose not to enforce them aggressively, and can shift how state agencies respond to federal immigration requests.
I have a DACA renewal or TPS application pending — does this election affect it?
DACA and TPS are federal programs managed by USCIS, not the state. The California governor's position does not directly affect your federal application. However, state-level enforcement cooperation could affect your day-to-day safety if federal operations increase.
When is the California governor election and how do I follow results?
The general election is November 3, 2026. Mail-in ballots began arriving in early October. Follow the California Secretary of State's official website for results. The outcome will be known in the days following election day as ballots are counted.