California’s first elected Latino governor pledged to defend immigrant communities against federal immigration enforcement, declaring that the California dream is “undeportable” and warning the Trump administration to prepare for a fight.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra used his election victory speech Tuesday, Nov. 3, to challenge President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, describing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as “mercenaries” and promising to defend Californians against federal actions he considers harmful.
Becerra, a Democrat and former U.S. health and human services secretary, defeated Republican Steve Hilton to become California’s first Latino elected governor. His victory extends Democratic control of the governor’s office after outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom completes his second term.
Speaking to supporters in West Sacramento, Becerra emphasized immigrant rights and rejected the administration’s approach to deportations.
“The California dream is universal. It’s non-negotiable. And yes, it is undeportable,” Becerra declared during his election-night victory address.
The governor-elect also issued a direct warning to federal officials pursuing policies opposed by California’s Democratic leadership.
“Tonight, I have a message for all those who have been made to feel afraid,” he said.
“There’s a new sheriff in town,” Becerra continued, “and he’s got a law degree and a union card. If anyone wants to come after California or any one Californian, they better be ready for a fight.”
His remarks came as California prepares for further disputes with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement, federal authority and the state’s sanctuary policies.
Becerra also criticized ICE while describing the civil liberties and public services he believes California must protect.
“Never in our lifetimes has so much of what we love been on the line, our families, our safety, our freedom,” he said.
“Freedom to love, freedom to learn, freedom to unionize and earn a living wage, the right to see a doctor, and the freedom to make your own decisions about your body,” he continued.
“Freedom to breathe clean air, drink clean water, travel unpolluted coastlines. Freedom to walk the streets without fear of gun violence or ICE mercenaries. And freedom tonight to hold a free election,” Becerra said.
The comments drew attention from conservative media outlets, including Breitbart reporter Warner Todd Huston, who characterized Becerra’s remarks as an endorsement of unrestricted migration.
However, the governor-elect did not announce a specific policy permitting unlimited immigration or eliminating federal deportation authority. His statements concerned opposition to the administration’s enforcement priorities and his commitment to protecting immigrant communities.
California’s governor cannot independently abolish federal immigration laws or prevent federal authorities from enforcing them. State officials can, however, establish limits on cooperation by state and local agencies, subject to federal law and constitutional restrictions.
California has maintained sanctuary protections under Senate Bill 54, commonly known as the California Values Act, which generally restricts state and local law enforcement involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement while providing specified exceptions.
Those policies have been a longstanding source of disagreement between California Democrats and the Trump administration.
Becerra’s political career includes serving as California attorney general from 2017 to 2021, when he participated in numerous legal challenges to federal policies during Trump’s first presidency. He subsequently served as secretary of health and human services under President Joe Biden.
His election also carries historical significance. Becerra will become the first Latino directly elected governor of California and the first Latino to hold the position since Romualdo Pacheco served briefly in 1875.
The Associated Press called the election for Becerra on Tuesday evening. Preliminary results showed him defeating Hilton by a substantial margin.
California’s large immigrant population provides important context for the governor-elect’s emphasis on immigration policy.
According to a January 2026 report from the Public Policy Institute of California, approximately 10.9 million immigrants live in California, representing 22% of the nation’s foreign-born population.
The institute reported that 28% of California residents were born outside the United States as of 2024, the highest proportion of any state and more than twice the 13% share across the remainder of the country.
The report also found that 44% of California children have at least one immigrant parent.
California’s immigrant population includes both legally present and undocumented residents. The institute estimated that approximately 80% of immigrants in the state were U.S. citizens or held another form of lawful residency status in 2023.
The same research estimated that 2.25 million undocumented immigrants lived in California in 2023, down from a peak of approximately 2.8 million in 2007.
The institute also reported that immigration into California had slowed, with net international migration declining from approximately 260,000 in fiscal year 2024 to 126,500 in fiscal year 2025.
Becerra’s election comes as California faces continuing disputes over immigration enforcement alongside significant challenges involving housing affordability, homelessness, energy costs and the state budget.
According to CalMatters’ election coverage, Becerra campaigned on his government experience and pledged to continue defending California’s policies against federal challenges.
Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, campaigned on reducing living costs, reforming state government and reversing several Democratic policies. He conceded the election Tuesday evening.
Becerra is scheduled to take office in January 2027, placing him in charge of the nation’s most populous state during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.
His election-night remarks indicate that immigration enforcement will remain a central source of conflict between Sacramento and Washington, with the incoming governor promising to challenge federal policies while continuing California’s existing protections for immigrant communities.
Original article
Comments