San Diego County’s latest move defies federal immigration enforcement, potentially shielding violent criminals from deportation.
At a Glance
- San Diego County voted to further restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities
- The resolution prohibits county assistance to ICE, including denying access to individuals and facilities
- The policy was approved by a 3-1 vote, despite concerns about public safety risks
- Critics argue the measure endangers communities by protecting illegal immigrant criminals from deportation
San Diego County Expands Sanctuary Policies
In a controversial move, San Diego County has voted to intensify its “sanctuary county” policies, directly challenging federal immigration enforcement efforts. The county’s Board of Supervisors approved a resolution by a 3-1 vote that significantly expands existing California sanctuary laws, effectively creating a barrier between local authorities and federal immigration agencies.
This new policy goes beyond California’s already stringent ‘sanctuary’ laws, prohibiting county officials from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in any capacity. The resolution bars ICE from accessing individuals in county custody, using county facilities, and obtaining information about incarceration status or release dates of suspected illegal immigrants.
Implications for Public Safety
Supporters of the policy claim it’s necessary to maintain community trust and ensure public safety. They argue that cooperation with ICE deters undocumented individuals from seeking help from law enforcement, potentially leaving crimes unreported. However, this perspective ignores the critical role that federal-local cooperation plays in removing dangerous criminals from our communities.
The vote was not unanimous. Supervisor Jim Desmond had harsh words for the action.
“This reckless measure not only goes far beyond California’s already extreme Sanctuary State laws but actively endangers our communities by shielding illegal immigrant criminals from deportation,” Desmond said. “Consider this: under this policy, law enforcement is prohibited from notifying ICE about individuals, in custody, who have committed violent and heinous crimes, including rape and stalking, assault and battery, burglary, child abuse and more.”
Desmond was the sole dissenting vote, and he rightly points out the dangerous implications of this policy. By shielding illegal immigrant criminals from deportation, the county is prioritizing politics over the safety of law-abiding citizens and legal residents.
The county will not get any help from its sheriff, either, who has promised to defy the ban on cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement.
Defying Federal Authority
This resolution is a clear attempt to “Trump-proof” the county against federal immigration policies, particularly in light of promised deportation operations. It’s a blatant disregard for federal law and the will of the American people who expect their government to enforce immigration laws and protect their communities.
The county summarizes the resolution this way:
“When federal immigration authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Border Patrol, coerce local law enforcement to carry out deportations, family members are separated and community trust in law enforcement and local government is destroyed.”
This statement is a mischaracterization of federal immigration enforcement. It’s not coercion; it’s cooperation between different levels of government to uphold the law and protect American citizens. The focus on “separated families” conveniently ignores the victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants who should have been deported.
A Dangerous Precedent
San Diego County’s action sets a dangerous precedent that could spread to other jurisdictions, further undermining our nation’s immigration laws and border security. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing battle between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal authorities trying to enforce our immigration laws.
