Santa Cruz County plans to support a lawsuit challenging a proposed federal immigration enforcement facility near Gilroy by joining an amicus curiae brief alongside Santa Clara County and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, county officials announced Thursday.
The lawsuit seeks judicial review of a facility that public records indicate is intended to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Plaintiffs contend the project moved forward without required local review and permitting processes.
Although the proposed facility would be located in neighboring Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County officials said its effects could extend throughout the Central Coast region.
“Santa Cruz County communities are deeply connected to those throughout the region,” Board of Supervisors Chair Monica Martinez said in a statement. “Our immigrant families deserve transparency, public accountability and compliance with established legal processes.”
Martinez said the county’s participation is consistent with ongoing efforts to understand and prepare for the impacts of federal immigration enforcement activities.
Supervisor Felipe Hernandez said many residents are experiencing uncertainty and fear related to federal immigration enforcement actions.
“We have a responsibility to understand and prepare for the impacts these actions may have on local families, schools, healthcare systems and community organizations,” Hernandez said. “Our participation reflects that commitment.”
County officials described the move as a continuation of broader efforts by the Board of Supervisors to address the local effects of federal immigration policies. In January, the board established the S.H.I.E.L.D. (Safeguarding Health, Inclusion, Essential Services and Local Defense) Ad Hoc Subcommittee, which developed an ordinance prohibiting the use of county property for immigration enforcement activities and policies intended to protect residents accessing healthcare, education, public benefits and other services.
The county said additional information about its immigration preparedness efforts is available through the County of Santa Cruz website.
