Sheriff Kelly Martinez said Tuesday her office will protect the rights of undocumented individuals and strictly follow existing protections in state law when dealing with federal immigration enforcement.
“As the Sheriff of San Diego County, my number one priority is protecting the safety and well-being of all residents of our diverse region,” Martinez said in a statement emailed to news media.
“While protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants is crucial, it is equally important to ensure that victims of crimes are not overlooked or neglected in the process,” she said. “Victims include undocumented individuals – these vulnerable individuals express to me that their legal status is used as a weapon against them when offenders from their community victimize them.”
Martinez stressed that “there is no loophole when it comes to what is placed in statute” and her office will “protect the well-being of individuals, including those who are undocumented.”
Senate Bill 54 enacted in 2017 generally prevents police, sheriff’s deputies and public institutions like schools and hospitals from sharing the legal status of individuals with federal immigration authorities. However, the law allows for cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the case of undocumented individuals who have committed violence.
The sheriff’s statement came hours before the county Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to restrict the use of county resources for immigration enforcement.
“Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and our county will not be a tool for policies that hurt our residents,” said Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas, who made the proposal.
Vargas, Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe voted yes, while Supervisor Jim Desmond was the lone no vote. Supervisor Joel Anderson was absent Tuesday due to illness, officials said.
In a statement, Desmond said the decision “to turn San Diego County into a ‘super’ sanctuary county is an affront to every law-abiding citizen who values safety and justice.”
The board asked the county’s chief administrative officer to “report back within 180 days on the data related to any transfers or notifications during the past year to federal immigration authorities and provide recommendations.”
Over 100 people offered their thoughts on the issue to the board, with supporters stressing that migrants deserved protection, while opponents said the resolution violated federal policies.
Robert Hicks of the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego said the new county policy would keep families together. Immigrants and refugees “are an integral part of our society,” he said. But San Diego resident Eli Komai described the policy as “toothless and more posturing” and said “if you cross here illegally, then you’re a criminal,” he added.
After the vote, Martinez said the board does not set set policy for the sheriff, who, like the supervisors, is an elected official. She said she would continue to follow state law.
“Current state law strikes the right balance between limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with immigration authorities, ensuring public safety, and building community trust,” said Martinez, whose office is nonpartisan but has identified as Democrat.
“Since becoming Sheriff, I have been committed to balancing the requirements of state law with the Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, which have incorporated input from community and immigration advocates,” she said.
Last week Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta reiterated California’s guidance to local law enforcement, saying that “we cannot let the Trump deportation machine create a culture of fear and mistrust that prevents immigrants from accessing vital public services.”
City News Service and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Updated 7:35 a.m. Dec. 11, 2024
