Blue state county tees up vote on ‘knee-jerk’ resolution to protect illegal immigrants from deportations
San Diego County is on the brink of taking a bold stance against federal immigration enforcement, as officials prepare to vote on a resolution that would block all cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This resolution, which goes beyond the state’s sanctuary law, is set to be voted on December 10 as part of the county’s commitment to social justice and inclusion.
The proposed resolution states that the county will not provide any assistance or cooperation to ICE, including giving agents access to individuals, using county facilities for investigative interviews, or expending county resources on ICE inquiries. The resolution also prohibits communicating with ICE regarding individuals’ incarceration status or release dates, or participating in any civil immigration enforcement activities.
Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Nora Vargas, believes that California’s current sanctuary laws do not go far enough in protecting residents from deportation. Vargas argues that loopholes in the existing laws have allowed some illegal immigrants to be transferred to ICE custody or for ICE to be notified of their release dates. The resolution aims to close these loopholes and ensure that all residents are protected regardless of their immigration status.
Republican Supervisor Jim Desmond, who opposes the resolution, believes that it will ultimately pass due to the Democratic makeup of the board of supervisors. Desmond warns that the resolution could lead to an increase in crime as law enforcement will be impeded in their ability to work with immigration authorities. He fears that allowing more criminals who are in the country illegally to remain in San Diego County will make communities less safe.
The pushback against federal immigration enforcement is not limited to San Diego County. Cities like Boston have also taken steps to protect illegal immigrants from enforcement actions and restrict police cooperation with ICE. On the other hand, some Republican-led states have pledged to assist the Trump administration in its upcoming deportation campaign, with Texas even offering land for the operation.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues to unfold, it is clear that local and state governments are taking a stand on the issue. The resolution in San Diego County represents a significant step towards limiting cooperation with ICE and protecting all residents, regardless of their immigration status. The outcome of the upcoming vote will have far-reaching implications for the county and its residents as they navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
