Escondido’s ICE contract continues

Seemingly, ICE’s contract with the city of Escondido for limited use of a police gun range is a little thing. It’s a longstanding deal, it only brings in $22,500 a year and there’s no interaction between federal agents and city officials and police.

But Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a different agency in 2026 than it was in 2013 when its officers began to practice at the firing range. And the community let the Escondido City Council know it Wednesday.

The council was unmoved, despite hours of testimony, letting a motion to end the contract die, as our partner, CalMatters, reported. 

We’ve heard a lot about fear of ICE or federal reprisal – from immigrants, protesters, community observers and more –  but how about from top city officials and councilmembers, who presumably have some juice?

The feds, of course, have more. Escondido’s police chief said the city could be exposed to legal action or loss of federal grants if the contract was canceled. Councilman Joe Garcia said flatly he believes “that all these bad things are going to happen” should he and his colleagues vote to end the contract.

Stay tuned. It remains to be seen if protesters will keep pressing the city or what might happen if Escondido’s leaders change their minds.

Let’s head into Friday with a feel-good story. Duran Ferree, just 19, is well known in local soccer circles, from his time as a community talent to his association with the old San Diego Loyal and now as a SDFC goalkeeper. He had a whale of a game Saturday before his hometown fans.

Thoughts? Opinions? Share them with us at news@timesofsandiego.com.