(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, now the Democratic nominee for California governor, has for years omitted a major detail when recounting his father’s purported “immigrant” story. The truth? The elder Becerra was an American citizen.
The revelation came to light through an investigation by independent journalist Anthony Cabassa, just days after Becerra claimed that his father, Manuel Guerrero Becerra, “came to the country with $12” during a CNN debate with his GOP opponent, Steve Hilton, on Sept. 30.
But an obituary for Manuel Becerra revealed that he was born in Sacramento in 1928, making him a U.S. citizen. His family, which included seven other siblings, later moved to Mexico when he was young.
“When he returned to California as a young teenager, living with relatives, he learned schools made little effort to teach an industrious ‘migrant’, but employers were intent on hiring him,” the obituary stated.
In a separate interview, Becerra again said that his parents "came" to this country with only $12 in their pocket, the insinuation being that his parents were both immigrants from Mexico.
An important take away here, is him stating his dad came (to CA) in his 20's. ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/ItxXhtPFhH
— Anthony Cabassa (@anthonycabassa) October 4, 2026
In response, Hilton, who was born in the United Kingdom, blasted Becerra over the discrepancy.
“Unlike Xavier Becerra, I am an immigrant. Unlike Xavier Becerra, my father was an immigrant. My stepfather too. My whole family,” Hilton said on X.
Unlike Xavier Becerra, I am an immigrant.
Unlike Xavier Becerra, my father was an immigrant. My stepfather too. My whole family.
Unlike Becerra (because I've been out there listening to the people), I know Becerra's policies have destroyed the California Dream. My plans will…
— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) October 4, 2026
Becerra spokesperson Jonathan Underland replied in remarks to the New York Post: “Welcome to California Steve Hilton, when people born here are often raised in other countries and return, sometimes decades later, to build a new life for themselves in the best place on earth.”
“To quote the Secretary, Steve Hilton doesn’t seem to have a problem with immigrants who look like him — but openly attacks immigrants who look like Xavier Becerra,” Underland added.
Becerra has long faced questions about his past experience and personal life, including his handling of the surge of migrant children during the Biden administration. He also faced questions about his alleged knowledge of a fraud scheme tied to his dormant campaign for attorney general.
The scheme allegedly involved siphoning campaign funds for personal use and implicated Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom; Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s former chief of staff; and Greg Campbell, a lobbyist.
