San Diego’s Tighter ‘Sanctuary’ Policy: A Border Report Analysis

San Diego County faced a conflict over the holidays between the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Kelly Martinez regarding local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration officers. While California already has laws restricting such cooperation, the Board voted to further limit the sheriff’s deputies from assisting in potential deportations, regardless of the person’s criminal history. Sheriff Martinez, however, stated she would continue to share information with ICE on individuals in custody for serious crimes as permitted by state law. Immigrant rights advocates criticized Martinez for not following the Board’s resolution, arguing it violates state law. The Attorney General’s office hinted at potential future action against agencies not in compliance with state law. The Board’s resolution drew a letter from the America First Legal Foundation warning against interference with federal immigration enforcement. While the reasons for board Chair Nora Vargas stepping down were not clear, the resolution included a provision for the county chief administration officer to report back on the policy’s implementation within 180 days. In other news, concerns were raised about migrants paying bribes to INM officers to enter the U.S., Mexico is preparing for potential mass deportations under the new administration, and Salvadoran men in ICE custody fear deportation to face torture. The Centro Cultural de la Raza is hosting an exhibit on borders, titled Borderlands Visions, running until March.

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Photo credit voiceofsandiego.org