Someone tell Tom Steyer, et al: Dems can’t arrest ICE in California
California's gubernatorial race has seen candidates like Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa making bold claims against ICE, calling for its abolition and the arrest of its agents. However, constitutional law dictates that states cannot prosecute federal officers for actions taken in their official capacity. This political rhetoric, while popular among some voters, does not align with established legal principles regarding federal supremacy.
- ▪Tom Steyer has called for abolishing ICE and jailing its agents, labeling the agency as a 'violent extremist group.'
- ▪California's candidates are using inflammatory language against ICE, which shapes public perception and interactions with federal law enforcement.
- ▪Under the Supremacy Clause, states cannot criminally prosecute federal officers for actions taken in the lawful course of their duties.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Opinion Someone tell Tom Steyer, et al: Dems can’t arrest ICE in California By Craig DeLuz Published May 22, 2026, 10:14 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google There is a certain kind of politician who has learned that saying something loudly and confidently is a perfectly adequate substitute for saying something true. California’s gubernatorial race has produced a bumper crop of them. Tom Steyer, the billionaire-liberal-donor-turned candidate, has called for abolishing ICE and jailing its agents, describing the federal law enforcement agency as a “violent extremist group.” Former LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa compared ICE officers to the Ku Klux Klan, and state Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond promised to have ICE agents arrested.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from California Post
