MoCo leads challenge on Gilroy ICE facility

County of Monterey ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

Sonia M. De La Rosa

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

168 West Alisal St. 3rd Floor

Salinas, CA 93901

831 755 5115

cao-admin@countyofmonterey.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2026

County of Monterey Takes Lead Regional Role to Challenge Santa Clara

County ICE Facility

Board of Supervisors Backs Multi-Jurisdiction Amicus Brief to Protect Immigrant Communities and Local

Autonomy

SALINAS, CA — Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to immigrant communities, the County of

Monterey has taken a chief regional leadership role in rallying a massive multi-jurisdiction coalition

against the federal government’s planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in

neighboring Santa Clara County.

Working in close coordination with Public Rights Project, which authored the amicus brief, Monterey

County spearheaded efforts to organize and secure a powerful coalition of 26 signatory cities and

counties from across the Bay Area and Central Coast. The dynamic regional show of solidarity

underscores the deep, shared concerns over federal overreach.

The brief argues that the establishment of the ICE facility disrupts critical local operations, erodes

community trust in public health and law enforcement, and undermines local zoning and governance.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors offered overwhelming, unified support to authorize this active

legal intervention, cementing the county’s position as a fierce defender of regional civil rights.

“Monterey County will not stand by silently when federal actions threaten the safety, stability, and trust

of our families,” said the Monterey County Board of Supervisors Chair, Wendy Root Askew. “Our Board

voted with overwhelming conviction to lead this effort because protecting our immigrant neighbors is not

just a Santa Clara County issue; it is a regional priority. By uniting 26 cities and counties, we are sending

an undeniable message that local autonomy and community trust cannot be sidelined by federal

enforcement mandates.”

The amicus brief unites a diverse cross-section of Northern California, showcasing immense regional

alignment. Local signatories joining Monterey County’s coalition include:

● County of Santa Cruz

● County of San Benito

CountyofMonterey.Gov● City of Salinas

● City of Watsonville

● City of Santa Cruz

● City of Hollister

● City of Gonzales

● City of King City

● City of Soledad

● City of Monterey

● City of Marina

By organizing this coalition alongside Public Rights Project, the County of Monterey ensures that the legal

arguments presented to the court reflect the collective voice of millions of Northern California residents.

Media Contact

County of Monterey Communications Bureau

Nick Pasculli, Bureau Chief

Email: PR@CountyofMonterey.Gov

Phone: (831) 796-3094

About Public Rights Project

Public Rights Project helps local governments protect civil rights. We represent cities and counties

in court, train government lawyers, and activate a national network of local leaders to respond to

emerging threats. Since 2017, we’ve worked alongside local government officials in all 50 states to

support communities and people’s rights.