Monterey County leads 26 cities and counties to challenge ICE facility outside Gilroy.

The County of Monterey is leading a coalition of 26 cities and counties across Northern and Central California, to oppose a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility near Gilroy.

Since plans for the proposed facility surfaced in May, local residents, elected officials and community organizations have mobilized in opposition, arguing the detention center would bring fear into the communities that have long welcomed immigrant families.

Spearheaded by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, the coalition argues that the ICE facility would disrupt vital local operations, undermine public health and law enforcement collaboration and infringe on local zoning laws and governance, according to a court document filed on July 27. 

The effort is possible in partnership with the Public Rights Project, a national civil rights legal organization that represents local governments defending community rights.

"Monterey County will not stand by silently when federal actions threaten the safety, stability, and trust of our families," Supervisor Wendy Root Askew said in a statement. "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 participating jurisdictions include the counties of Santa Cruz and San Benito, and cities including Salinas, Gonzales, King City, Soledad and Hollister, to name a few.

The county argues that immigrants are central to key industries like agriculture — a cornerstone for these regions, where Monterey County leads the nation in producing lettuce, celery, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower and strawberries.

“If farmworkers are afraid to go to work or are deported en masse, disruptions to the national supply of produce will ensue, leading to increased prices and potential shortages,” according to the court document.

Further, the county also contends this will cause immigrant families to face distressing social consequences: reduced incomes due to deported earners, increased mental health challenges among children and lower school attendance rates.

“This fight is about far more than one detention center. It's about whether we will allow fear to replace our values as Californians,” said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas at a July 29 press conference. “We will continue to speak out, and we will continue to fight this ICE detention center until it is defeated. Because years from now, no one will remember the politics of this moment — but they will remember whether we had the courage to defend the values that define us.”