Santa Cruz County board backs ordinance to bar civil immigration enforcement on county property

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on March 10 accepted the first report of its Shield ad hoc subcommittee and approved in concept an ordinance to prohibit the use of county-owned and county-controlled property as staging areas, processing locations or operations bases for federal civil immigration enforcement, to the extent permitted by law. Chair Martinez presented the report and framed the action as a step to preserve trust in essential services and reduce fear among immigrant residents.

The ordinance would add chapter 10.07 to the Santa Cruz County Code and direct the county executive office to develop protocols—potentially including signage, locked doors and gates—to limit access to county parking lots, buildings and open spaces when appropriate. County officials clarified the measure would not block compliance with lawfully issued judicial warrants or other judicial orders and that staff will return with a cost estimate for signage and access control.

Supporters told the board the policy would protect families' access to schools, health care, courts and social services. Farah Sabah, the county superintendent of schools, and community organizations including the Watsonville Law Center and the Santa Cruz County Immigration Coalition urged passage, saying the steps would reduce barriers that currently deter immigrant families from seeking services. "These steps reinforce the message that Santa Cruz County is committed to ensure that residents can safely access essential services," said Elizabeth Silva of Watsonville Law Center.

Opponents and some board members raised legal and operational questions about enforcement and the limits of county authority. County counsel warned that while the board may request such protections, responses from state or federal agencies could create legal implications depending on future decisions. Supervisors discussed additional actions—sending letters to neighboring jurisdictions, exploring penalties or civil regulatory frameworks, and requiring identification by federal agents when asked—to strengthen regional consistency and enforceability.

The board approved the recommendations and the ordinance concept by unanimous vote. Supervisors directed staff to continue coordinating with cities, school districts, regional partners and community-based rapid response groups, to develop staff protocols and training, to evaluate signage and access-control costs, and to return with further implementation information at future meetings.