California county strengthens sanctuary policies in anticipation of Trump's deportation drive: "Extreme measure"

The Trump administration's expected deportation push next year has prompted San Diego County to vote against cooperating with federal immigration authorities, a decision that has been criticized by a local Republican leader.

San Diego County's board of supervisors approved a resolution that goes beyond California's 'sanctuary' law by enhancing law enforcement's cooperation with ICE.

The county will not assist or cooperate with ICE in any way, including granting access to individuals, using county facilities for investigative interviews, or communicating with ICE about incarceration status or release dates.

If ICE suspects an illegal immigrant is in local or state custody, it will issue a detainer to law enforcement, requesting to be notified before their release and, in some instances, holding them until ICE can take custody.

Sanctuary proponents argue that ICE's policies discourage cooperation between law enforcement and law-abiding illegal immigrants, while ICE claims that these policies help detain and remove illegal immigrants from the streets.

"The resolution states that when federal immigration authorities pressure local law enforcement to carry out deportations, family members are separated and community trust in law enforcement and local government is damaged. This results in witnesses and victims who are undocumented or have loved ones who are undocumented being afraid to seek help from the County, including contacting local law enforcement. This puts the public safety of all San Diegans at risk."

Before President-elect Trump is sworn into office, a vote will take place, and he has promised to initiate a significant mass deportation operation to remove numerous illegal immigrants from the country.

Nora Vargas, the Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, stated that California's current sanctuary laws limiting ICE deportations are not comprehensive enough.

The California Values Act increased protection from deportation for California residents, but it did not fully protect all residents because it permitted agencies to inform ICE of release dates and transfer individuals to ICE without a warrant in certain situations, she stated.

The resolution echoes a similar policy enacted in 2019 by Santa Clara County.

Jim Desmond, a Republican supervisor, criticized the passing of the law, stating that it was an attempt by some Democrats to "Trump-proof" the state. He had previously expressed this view to Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated on Tuesday that the vote is a "direct violation of the oath we took to safeguard the public."

This measure, which surpasses California's existing Sanctuary State laws, endangers communities by protecting illegal immigrant criminals from deportation. Under this policy, law enforcement is prohibited from informing ICE about individuals in custody who have committed violent and heinous crimes, including rape, assault, burglary, and child abuse.

He stated that he has already communicated with members of the incoming Trump administration and intends to vigorously combat this detrimental policy and guarantee that illegal immigrant offenders are expelled from our communities.