Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 27 authorized the creation of an ad hoc subcommittee aimed at preparing the county for potential impacts from increased federal immigration enforcement.
The subcommittee, known as S.H.I.E.L.D.—Safeguarding Health, Inclusion, Essential Services and Local Defense—will be made up of Fifth District Supervisor and Board Chair Monica Martinez and Fourth District Supervisor Felipe Hernandez. The group will work with county staff, community partners and regional agencies to coordinate a lawful and timely response while protecting access to essential services for residents.
County officials said the action comes amid recent federal policy shifts and expanded funding for immigration enforcement, which have raised concerns about impacts on local families, workers, schools and essential services.
“As a County, we have a responsibility to be proactive, not reactive,” Martinez said. “S.H.I.E.L.D. allows us to bring together staff, community partners and regional allies so we can protect access to essential services and uphold our values—even as federal actions continue to evolve.”
Santa Cruz County has long identified itself as a welcoming and inclusive community and has reaffirmed that county resources will not be used to enforce federal civil immigration law based solely on immigration status. The county has also invested in legal assistance and community support services.
“South County families are already feeling fear and uncertainty,” Hernandez said. “This effort is about making sure people can continue to go to work, take their kids to school and seek healthcare without fear. S.H.I.E.L.D. gives us a way to prepare responsibly, work with trusted community partners, and respond quickly if our residents are impacted.”
The subcommittee will collaborate with community-based organizations that work directly with immigrant residents and coordinate with neighboring counties through inter-county convenings focused on preparedness and shared strategies.
Over the past year, the Board of Supervisors has adopted several resolutions addressing federal actions, including measures defending the U.S. Constitution and civil liberties, protecting LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, affirming the county’s sanctuary status, and opposing renewed oil and gas exploration off the California coast.
The county has also allocated $200,000 for legal services for undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ+ community support services, and set aside $500,000 to provide food to families in need during a federal government shutdown.
In addition, Santa Cruz County has printed and distributed thousands of “Know Your Rights” red cards and provided resources for residents affected by federal actions.
More information is available on the county’s sanctuary resources page santacruzcountyca.gov/Sanctuary.aspx.
