Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco defends ICE actions amid debate over California sanctuary laws

Wed, 06 May 2026 10:35:00 +0200

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, publicly defended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a heated political discussion surrounding immigration enforcement and California’s sanctuary state policies. The debate intensified after Democratic candidate Tom Steyer argued that federal officials should face prosecution if they instruct agents to carry out actions that violate California law. Bianco pushed back against this position, emphasizing his support for federal immigration authorities and defending the conduct of ICE officers.

The exchange reflects broader national and state-level tensions over immigration enforcement, particularly in states like California that have enacted sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Supporters of these laws argue they protect immigrant communities and maintain trust between local law enforcement and residents, while critics, including Bianco, contend they hinder public safety