Xavier Becerra Walks Away From Reporters After Questions About Migrant Children Record

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra abruptly walked away from reporters on Aug. 4, 2026, after declining to answer repeated questions about his record overseeing migrant children while serving as U.S. Health and Human Services secretary.

Xavier Becerra refuses to answer questions on the migrant child crisis during a press conference working to protect voting rights on Aug. 4, 2026. Titus Wu/CA Post

Becerra had just finished a Sacramento press conference promoting state voting-rights legislation in his role as an adviser to the UCLA Voting Rights Project when journalists pressed him about his HHS tenure. "Do you have any regrets about your HHS career?" The California Post's Titus Wu called out twice as Becerra turned and continued walking without responding.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra talks with media after meeting voters at Mercado La Paloma in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. MediaNews Group via Getty Images

The candidate declined to address nearly every shouted question, speaking only once to confirm that he will participate in a debate with Republican rival Steve Hilton. After the exchange, Becerra walked quickly to a nearby parked car; The California Post followed him after the presser.

Becerra quickly fled to a nearby parked car. Titus Wu/CA Post

Why the Questions Matter

The interaction highlights growing scrutiny of Becerra's time at HHS, particularly his handling of the migrant child crisis — an issue that has become a prominent point of contention in the California governor's race. Critics say the matter raises questions about oversight and accountability during a period when thousands of migrant children entered federal care.

The California Post was the first to chase Becerra after the presser. Titus Wu/CA Post

Reactions From Opponents and Campaign

Republican rival Steve Hilton has repeatedly targeted Becerra over his HHS record. On X, Hilton wrote:

"Xavier Becerra wants to be governor while dodging questions from the press and a debate with me. What else do you expect from a lazy, arrogant, entitled 'empty suit' 36-year machine politician who sent thousands of migrant kids to child traffickers to try and save his career?"

Becerra campaign spokesperson Jonathan Underland said the candidate left because he was on a tight schedule and needed to travel to a private event in Fresno. "We're going to spend a lot of time speaking with the journalists that he's going to have to work with if he's elected. Like I said, we're going to be in Sacramento a lot," Underland said.

Political Context

Beyond Republican attacks, Becerra's HHS record has also prompted criticism from some Democrats during the primary campaign, making the subject an uncomfortable one on the trail. As the campaign progresses, both opponents and voters are likely to press Becerra for more detailed explanations about the decisions and oversight during his tenure at HHS.