Santa Cruz County announced plans to sign an amicus curiae brief supporting litigation filed by the state of California and Santa Clara County challenging a planned federal immigration enforcement facility near Gilroy.
The lawsuit, brought by California’s attorney general and Santa Clara County, seeks judicial review of the proposed facility, which public records indicate is intended to support operations by the federal agency U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Plaintiffs allege the project moved forward without required local review and permitting processes.
Although the facility would be located in neighboring Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County officials said it would have impacts across the Central Coast region.
“Santa Cruz County communities are deeply connected to those throughout the region,” said Monica Martinez, chair of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. “Our immigrant families deserve transparency, public accountability and compliance with established legal processes. The County intends to participate through an amicus filing consistent with its ongoing efforts to understand, prepare for and fight back against the regional impacts of federal immigration enforcement activities.”
County officials said the move continues efforts by the Board of Supervisors to address local impacts of federal immigration policies. In January, the board established the S.H.I.E.L.D. (Safeguarding Health, Inclusion, Essential Services and Local Defense) Ad Hoc Subcommittee, which crafted an ordinance barring the use of county property for immigration enforcement and adopted policies protecting residents accessing healthcare, education, public benefits and other essential services regardless of changes in federal immigration enforcement priorities.
“Many residents throughout our region are experiencing uncertainty and fear regarding federal immigration enforcement activity,” Supervisor Felipe Hernandez said. “We have a responsibility to understand and prepare for the impacts these actions may have on local families, schools, healthcare systems and community organizations. Our participation reflects that commitment.”
