San Diego County has voted to further restrict local cooperation with federal immigration authorities in anticipation of a possible mass deportation initiative under the incoming Trump administration. The resolution, which was approved 3-1 by the county’s board of supervisors, has drawn sharp criticism from local Republicans.
The new policy goes beyond California’s existing “sanctuary” law, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the resolution, San Diego County will not assist ICE in any immigration enforcement activities. This includes denying ICE access to county facilities for interviews or investigations, refraining from responding to ICE inquiries, and not sharing information about individuals’ incarceration status or release dates.
ICE commonly issues detainers to local law enforcement when they are aware of a suspected illegal immigrant in custody. These detainers request that authorities notify ICE before releasing the individual, sometimes holding them until ICE can take custody. ICE claims this procedure helps remove illegal immigrants without having to conduct operations in communities. However, supporters of sanctuary policies argue that such actions deter cooperation between law enforcement and undocumented individuals who might otherwise seek help.
The resolution highlights concerns about the impact of deportations on community trust. It asserts that when federal agencies coerce local law enforcement into deporting immigrants, it leads to the separation of families and undermines the willingness of undocumented individuals to report crimes or cooperate with authorities. “This puts the public safety of all San Diegans at risk,” the resolution states.
The vote comes just weeks before President-elect Trump is set to take office. Trump has promised a large-scale deportation initiative to remove millions of illegal immigrants from the country.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas explained that California’s current sanctuary laws do not go far enough to protect residents. While the California Values Act limits deportations, she argued that it still allows for the transfer of individuals to ICE in certain situations without a warrant.
Supervisor Jim Desmond, the lone Republican on the board, strongly opposed the resolution. Desmond criticized the vote, claiming it “actively endangers our communities by shielding illegal immigrant criminals from deportation.” He argued that the policy could prevent law enforcement from notifying ICE about individuals who have committed serious crimes, including rape, assault, and child abuse.
Desmond, who has been in contact with the incoming Trump administration, vowed to “fight relentlessly” to reverse the policy and ensure that individuals with criminal records are deported.
This move in San Diego mirrors a similar policy passed by Santa Clara County in 2019. As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, local governments are increasingly facing pressure to balance public safety concerns with the protection of immigrant communities.
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