San Diego’s push to become a “super sanctuary city” ignites controversy as local officials clash over protecting undocumented immigrants from deportation.
At a Glance
- San Diego county supervisors voted to prohibit sheriff’s cooperation with ICE on civil immigration enforcement
- Sheriff Kelly Martinez opposes the new policy, citing current state law as balanced
- The policy aims to protect families and community trust, according to Supervisor Nora Vargas
- Critics argue the move could endanger public safety and hinder law enforcement
- The decision aligns San Diego with seven other California counties with stricter policies than state law
San Diego’s Bold Move Towards “Super Sanctuary” Status
San Diego County has taken a controversial step towards becoming a “super sanctuary city,” intensifying its commitment to shield illegal immigrants from deportation. The county supervisors recently voted to prohibit the sheriff’s department from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on civil immigration enforcement, a move that goes beyond current California law.
This decision aligns San Diego with seven other California counties, including Los Angeles, which have implemented stricter policies than state law requires. The new policy mandates that ICE must obtain a judge’s order for county assistance, potentially reducing the annual transfers of 100-200 individuals to ICE custody.
Today’s outrageous 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 of Supervisors’ 3-1 vote to embrace this radical policy is a direct betrayal of the people we are sworn to… pic.twitter.com/LypCR5S1GX
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) December 10, 2024
Clash Between County Supervisors and Sheriff
The initiative has sparked a heated debate among local officials. Supervisor Nora Vargas, a proponent of the policy, emphasized its intended benefits. “We will not allow our local resources to be used for actions that separate families, harm community trust or divert critical local resources away from addressing our most pressing challenges,” Vargas said.
However, Sheriff Kelly Martinez, an elected official, has stated she will not comply with the new policy. “Current state law strikes the right balance between limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with immigration authorities, ensuring public safety and building community trust,” Martinez argued.
VIDEO: San Diego To Become Super Sanctuary City https://t.co/TVFcNHPO19 via #OAN
— One America News (@OANN) December 22, 2024
Concerns Over Public Safety and Law Enforcement Capabilities
Critics of the “super sanctuary” policy, including former Trump administration officials, have raised concerns about its potential impact on public safety. Tom Homan, Trump’s former “border czar,” warned that such policies could “put the community at risk.” These concerns stem from the belief that limiting cooperation with ICE may allow illegal immigrants with criminal histories to evade deportation.
