Gavin Newsom says California works with ICE on 'removing criminals' not 'hardworking immigrants'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office has rejected claims by US US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino that the state refuses to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, saying California works with ICE when it comes to removing convicted criminals from state prisons.

The dispute escalated after remarks Bovino made during a Fox News program that aired on Friday, January 23. In response, Newsom's press office posted a statement on X outlining enforcement actions undertaken by the state since Newsom took office in 2018.

The post labeled the claims as “FALSE!” and stated that California cooperates with ICE and other federal authorities on prison-based removals, while refusing to assist with broader immigration enforcement actions targeting undocumented communities.

Gavin Newsom press office responds to ICE cooperation claims

In its statement, Newsom’s team said California works with ICE when it comes to “removing criminals” from state prisons, including individuals convicted of serious violent offenses. The post emphasized that cooperation is limited to prison transfers and does not extend to community enforcement actions.

The press office cited California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation data showing releases from the in-custody prison population and ICE pick-ups between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2024. According to the data, since Newsom became governor in 2018, California has coordinated with ICE to transfer 10,588 inmates into federal custody.

The statement added that while California cooperates on prison-based transfers, it does not assist ICE with what it described as roundups of undocumented immigrants and families. Newsom’s office said the state’s approach prioritizes public safety and rejects enforcement tactics that, in its view, terrorize communities based on appearance.

The post also accused ICE of relying on racial profiling in its enforcement practices. It claimed that in 2025 more than 200,000 individuals were arrested by ICE nationwide, with the majority being Black and Brown. 

The comments came amid broader criticism from Newsom over ICE tactics, including his condemnation of enforcement actions in Minneapolis and his criticism following the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, which involved an ICE agent.

Gavin Newsom addresses ICE cooperation on podcast

Newsom also addressed the issue of cooperation with federal immigration authorities on his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, during a conversation with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.

Shapiro questioned whether it would be better policy for California, a sanctuary state, to cooperate with ICE in most cases so agents would focus on jailhouse transfers rather than arrests at locations such as churches and hospitals. 

Newsom responded that California already follows that approach. “That’s exactly what they do in California,” he said, adding that the state works directly with ICE in relation to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation state prisons. He said more than 10,000 individuals have been transferred into ICE custody during his time as governor.

Greg Bovino’s remarks on Newsom and enforcement

Bovino made his remarks during an appearance on Fox News with host Jesse Watters. He claimed Newsom does not cooperate with US Border Patrol and said he had invited the governor several times to visit the Imperial Valley in the El Centro sector.

According to Bovino, Newsom declined the invitations. He also said Border Patrol agents remain active in Los Angeles and San Francisco under what he described as a “Title VIII immigration mission."

Bovino claimed agents were removing dangerous criminals from California communities because, he alleged, the state refused to do so. He warned that Border Patrol operations would continue in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other areas the agency considers a threat.

The comments came as the Trump administration has also accused California of large-scale fraud. Vice President JD Vance recently claimed the Small Business Administration identified $7 billion in fraudulent payments in the state, arguing the problem was larger than similar 

allegations in Minnesota.