San Diego County Takes Measures to Protect Immigrants Ahead of Trump Inauguration

Last month, San Diego’s Board of Supervisors passed a resolution ending the use of county resources aiding federal immigration enforcement actions.

The measure was made ahead of President Trump’s inauguration and puts an end to the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Previously, local law enforcement agencies cooperated with ICE officials by facilitating the transfer of detainees to ICE custody and notifying ICE of their release from custody to aid in their removal from the United States.

In response to San Diego’s actions, the America First Legal Foundation (founded by Trump advisor Stephen Miller) issued a letter to 249 elected officials including the Chair of San Diego’s Board of Supervisors, Nora Vargas. In the letter, the organization warned Vargas that she could be subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability for what the organization considered to be “obstruction” of federal immigration law.

Vargas dismissed the letter as an intimidation tactic and vowed to uphold the Board’s decision throughout San Diego County. However, Vargas has since resigned from her position citing security and concerns for her personal safety.

In defiance of the Board’s decision, San Diego County sheriff Kelly Martinez said she would continue to cooperate with ICE and voluntarily notify them of the release of persons of interest.

For his part, Trump’s incoming “border czar” Tom Homan commented on San Diego’s actions saying, “Bottom line is I’m shocked at what San Diego did and bottom line we’re still coming to San Diego and we’re going to do our job.”

This is sure to set the stage for a legal showdown. As the Trump administration comes into office, they may pursue legal avenues to ensure San Diego County and other sanctuary cities comply with their demands. What’s certain is that the courts will need to step in and resolve these issues.

Plans for mass deportations could soon lead the federal government to push state officials to cooperate.

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