Billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer is facing public backlash after he called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a “criminal organization” during Wednesday night’s California gubernatorial debate. The Democratic candidate accused ICE agents of racially profiling Californians and said they should face prosecution for violating state laws. The portion of the debate where he made those remarks is now spreading across social media.
During the hour-long debate, Steyer strongly criticized ICE operations in California and claimed the agency has been “terrorizing” and “harming” people while conducting immigration raids. He also voiced support for abolishing ICE altogether. “We should be protecting immigrants,” Steyer said. “This state was built by immigrants. They continue to make this state run, and the idea that we let agents from Washington, D.C. with masks and assault rifles come in here and terrorize them is absolutely against Californian values.”
The Democrat pushed for ICE detention centers to be investigated. He mentioned White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller as someone who should also be looked into for allegedly asking ICE agents to “commit violence.”
Public Reaction to Steyer’s ICE Remarks
On X, many netizens accused the California Democrat of misunderstanding federal law and attempting to appeal to progressive voters with inflammatory rhetoric.
One person wrote, “Yet another empty threat made by someone who hasn’t got a clue trying to impress others with no clue! Just what CA needs.” Another commenter said, “You can choose your political stance, but you can’t spout nonsense about federal law.” A third added, “Pandering to people that can’t legally vote only seems to work in California.”
Others questioned how Steyer could label ICE a criminal organization when it operates under federal authority. “ICE is a federal law enforcement agency executing their duties in accordance with federal law, how can they be a criminal organization?” one netizen asked.
Some critics also accused Steyer of being more concerned about undocumented immigrants than California residents, with one writing, “So.. You care more about people here illegally and committing crimes than the citizens of California who are harmed by these criminals? Just drop out now.”
Steyer was one of seven top-polling candidates who appeared in the televised gubernatorial debate hosted by NBC LA and Telemundo 52, where they sparred over housing, immigration, healthcare, and several other pressing issues.
