California Gov. Gavin Newsom reportedly backed away Thursday from a provocative social media post issued by his own press office after facing direct criticism from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, conceding that it was “fair” to say Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are “not terrorists.”
The exchange unfolded during a conversation between Newsom and Shapiro on the This is Gavin Newsom, where Shapiro pressed the Democratic governor about the inflammatory language used by Newsom’s press office following the ICE shooting of Renee Good. The post in question, which quickly drew attention online, read in stark terms: “STATE. SPONSORED. TERRORISM.”
Shapiro did not mince words in challenging the governor over the post, telling him directly that such rhetoric only worsens the political climate. He said the characterization crossed a line and demanded an explanation. Newsom acknowledged the criticism, responding simply with agreement as Shapiro continued to argue that branding ICE actions as terrorism was irresponsible. Shapiro emphasized that ICE officers are not terrorists and that a tragic incident should not be described as state-sponsored terrorism.
When pressed on that point, Newsom agreed with Shapiro’s assessment. “Yeah, I think that’s fair,” the governor said, effectively walking back the implication of the original post and distancing himself from the language used by his press team.
The conversation then shifted to the broader and increasingly contentious issue of ICE policy, particularly as it relates to California’s stance compared to other states. Shapiro noted that immigration enforcement has become highly divisive, especially given actions by the federal government in states like California. He contrasted California’s sanctuary policies with red states where governors and local governments work more openly with ICE, arguing that cooperation can streamline deportations.
Shapiro questioned the rationale behind California’s sanctuary status, suggesting that cooperation with ICE in most cases would be more effective. He argued that such cooperation could prevent ICE agents from conducting arrests in sensitive locations like churches and hospitals, instead allowing them to pick up individuals already in custody at jail facilities.
Newsom pushed back on the notion that California refuses to work with federal immigration authorities. He claimed that his administration has cooperated extensively with ICE during his tenure as governor, citing more than 10,000 cases of cooperation. According to Newsom, California works directly with ICE in connection with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and state prisons.
The governor further asserted that California has facilitated more ICE transfers than almost any other state in the country. He also pointed out that he has vetoed multiple bills passed by the Democratic-controlled legislature that would have limited the state’s ability to cooperate with ICE on prison transfers.
The exchange highlighted a rare moment of public agreement between Newsom and Shapiro, with the governor conceding ground after sustained pressure. It also underscored the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the political risks of heated rhetoric, even within a state long defined by its resistance to federal immigration policy.
