San Diego Politicians Aim to Halt Trump Deportations, Sheriff Stands Firm
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New York, Dec 19 (NationPress) A recently introduced immigration policy by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors aims to stop local jails from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, potentially obstructing President-elect Donald Trump's promise of widespread deportations.
However, a standoff has emerged as the county navigates what may be an early glimpse into local immigration dynamics following Trump's return to office in January.
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has announced that her office will not adhere to the county's new policy and will keep informing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when individuals without legal status are released from county jails, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In a statement released shortly after the board's approval of the policy, the sheriff's office remarked, "The Sheriff, as an independently elected official, establishes the policy for the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff possesses the sole and exclusive authority to manage county jails."
This impasse arises as various jurisdictions in California prepare for Trump's promised deportation actions and implement measures aimed at safeguarding immigrant communities. Some state officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, are preparing for potential legal confrontations with the upcoming administration, the report highlighted.
The discord between the majority of San Diego County's Board of Supervisors and its sheriff underscores that even in California, recognized as a sanctuary state, attempts to counter the Trump administration's deportation strategies may encounter legal obstacles, practical challenges, and disagreements among local officials.
Both Martinez and the majority of the supervisors belong to the Democratic Party, yet local law enforcement agents occasionally resist policies that would lessen their collaboration with federal authorities. The future course of action for county officials and the Sheriff's Office in San Diego remains uncertain.
In her statement to The Times, Martinez reaffirmed her stance against following the board's policy and opted not to engage in an interview.
“We do not intend to pursue legal action against the County regarding the Board’s policy,” her statement indicated. “Nevertheless, I wish to reassure the public that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to abide by existing state laws and uphold our current practices, which are shaped by years of experience in balancing public safety with community trust.”
