Contra Costa County Faces Pressure to Protect Immigrants
Contra Costa County supervisors are under increasing pressure from immigrant rights advocates who accuse county officials of being slow to act on protecting immigrants from federal enforcement actions. These concerns were brought to the forefront during a rally held Monday morning outside the county courthouse, coinciding with a meeting of the Contra Costa County Board of Fairness.
Advocacy Groups Highlight the Urgency of Action
City leaders, medical and legal experts, religious figures, and grassroots activists gathered to voice their concerns about the treatment of immigrant communities. Muneisa Wangara, director of the Immigrant Action Network and executive assistant of the nonprofit Africa Advocacy Network, emphasized the critical need for local governments to respond swiftly. “At a time when immigrant communities are under attack, local governments have a responsibility to act,” she stated, stressing the urgency of the situation.
Draft Non-Cooperation Policy Under Consideration
The commission, chaired by Ken Carlson and Chanel Scales-Preston, is reviewing a proposed non-cooperation policy that would limit county resources, including personnel, from assisting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other immigration entities unless required by law. This policy aims to provide a clearer framework for how the county interacts with federal authorities regarding immigration matters.
Local Precedents for Non-Cooperation Policies
In recent years, several Bay Area jurisdictions have implemented similar non-cooperation policies, responding to aggressive immigration enforcement under the previous administration. Counties and cities like San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz have established these policies, which promote limited cooperation with federal authorities. Notably, municipalities such as Berkeley, Oakland, San Jose, and others have also created sanctuary-like environments and “ICE-free” zones to safeguard their immigrant populations.
Efforts Toward Establishing an ICE-Free Zone
In Contra Costa County, where approximately 25% of residents are immigrants, local lawmakers have been actively working to formalize an anti-ICE cooperation policy for over a year. Pinole City Councilman Cameron Sasay, who spearheaded Pinole’s ICE-free zone ordinance, articulated the need for such measures, stating, “Everyone deserves equal protection under the law. Beyond that, everyone deserves to feel safe, especially marginalized people.”
Existing County-Funded Services for Immigrants
While Contra Costa County lacks a formal ICE-free zone or anti-cooperation law, Scales-Preston highlighted existing county-funded initiatives that provide support to immigrant communities. These include Stand Together Contra Costa, a public-private partnership focused on rapid response, legal assistance, and public information, along with the Services and Access for Everyone Center, established with a $5 million investment from the county to serve as an information hub.
Choosing Between Policy and Ordinance
The current discussion revolves around whether to adopt a formal policy or enact an ordinance. Advocates for the ordinance argue that it would enhance enforceability through mechanisms like fines and fees for violations. However, Carlson pointed out that ordinances typically require numerous public hearings and a 30-day waiting period before implementation, creating a delay in protective measures.
Adapting Policies for Immediate Action
In contrast, policies can be put into effect immediately upon adoption, providing the county with a more agile approach to jurisdictional needs. Carlson expressed a commitment to meaningful action, emphasizing the county’s duty to ensure services are safely administered. Both Carlson and Scales-Preston have agreed to forward the draft policy to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for further deliberation, while also prioritizing the drafting of an ordinance that fortifies the county’s stance on immigrant protection.
