Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, now running to become California's next governor, has maintained deep and troubling ties to migrant advocacy groups whose political activities are closely coordinated with the Mexican government, according to investigative reporting by Seamus Bruner and Price Sukhia.

Throughout his career as a congressman, California attorney general, and federal cabinet secretary, Becerra has portrayed himself as an advocate for migrants. What has received far less scrutiny is his longtime alliance with radical activist NGOs whose operations are tightly integrated with America's southern neighbor.

Network of NGOs with Mexican Government Connections

Becerra's relationship with the Mexican government does not run through a single nonprofit. According to the investigation published in Just the News, it runs through many organizations working in concert. These groups have been involved in coordinating migrant caravans, providing legal assistance to border crossers, and advocating for policies that critics say undermine American sovereignty.

The revelations come as Becerra campaigns for governor in California's 2026 election, positioning himself as a champion of progressive causes and immigrant rights. His tenure at HHS was marked by strong support for the Affordable Care Act and opposition to state abortion restrictions following the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision.

Controversial Nomination and Partisan Confirmation

When President Biden nominated Becerra to lead HHS in 2021, the selection proved highly controversial. While Democrats unanimously supported him, citing his experience advocating for health care policy reform, Republicans almost uniformly opposed his confirmation. The Senate confirmed him by the narrowest possible margin of 50 to 49, with only a single Republican vote.

Becerra's aggressive record as California attorney general, where he filed dozens of lawsuits against Trump administration policies, made his confirmation battle particularly contentious. His critics questioned whether someone with no medical or public health background was qualified to lead the nation's health department.

Ethics and Staffing Controversies

Recent ethical troubles have dogged Becerra's gubernatorial campaign. Multiple close aides tied to campaign money have been convicted or pled guilty in incidents that critics cite as evidence of poor oversight and leadership. A longtime advisor was among those implicated in campaign finance violations, raising questions about Becerra's judgment and management style.

The former secretary left HHS in January 2025 when the Trump administration took office. He immediately pivoted to California politics, announcing his gubernatorial bid and positioning himself as a progressive alternative to more moderate Democrats in the race.

Mexican Government Coordination Raises Alarm

The most damaging revelations concern the extent to which Becerra's network of allied NGOs operates in coordination with Mexican government officials. These groups have been accused of facilitating illegal border crossings, coaching migrants on how to exploit asylum loopholes, and working to undermine U.S. immigration enforcement.

For California voters deciding whether to elect Becerra as their next governor, the question is whether his loyalties lie primarily with American citizens or with foreign governments and the migrant advocacy organizations they support. The investigation by Bruner and Sukhia suggests that Becerra's commitment to open borders may extend far beyond typical Democratic Party positions on immigration reform.