Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter defended California’s sanctuary state policies during a Tuesday night debate, arguing that state officials should prioritize public resources for residents rather than cooperating more closely with federal immigration enforcement.
Pressed on whether California should expand cooperation with federal authorities, Porter framed the issue as one of state responsibility, saying the governor’s role is to protect “every single Californian” and that state resources should not be directed toward assisting federal immigration enforcement.
Porter also described undocumented immigrants as part of California’s economic and demographic base, saying they contribute to the economy and pay taxes.
Her remarks drew criticism from Republicans, who argued she was acknowledging the economic and political implications of sanctuary policies. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, criticized such policies, saying they limit cooperation with federal authorities and complicate efforts to detain and remove individuals who commit crimes.
The broader debate comes as California continues to grapple with high housing costs, homelessness, taxation concerns, and long-term domestic outmigration. While recent data show population stabilization after pandemic-era declines, growth has remained closely tied to immigration even as residents continue moving to other states.
IRS migration data from 2022 to 2023 shows California losing an estimated $12.9 billion in adjusted gross income through domestic migration, while Florida gained $20.6 billion and Texas gained $5.3 billion.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2 under California’s top-two “jungle primary” system, in which all candidates appear on a single ballot and the top two vote-getters advance, regardless of party.
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They pay taxes? A great many of those people are on welfare.
Their costs ( welfare, medical, schooling, housing, etc. ) are way above what those who work bring in to the economy.
Come into the U.S. legally, learn English, get a job, stay out of trouble … Welcome.
Otherwise, STAY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY!
We, the American people, are not your ATM!
This is NOT some kind of racism.
It’s all about the economy.
Nonsense illegal invasion drains taxpayers funds and bankrupts the state economy!