San Diego County has made a shocking and dangerous move by voting to become a “super sanctuary county.” In a 3-1 vote by the Board of Supervisors, the county now completely prohibits cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), effectively giving a free pass to individuals here illegally. This radical decision means that the county will no longer assist federal agents in deportation efforts or provide any resources for enforcement, ignoring the risks posed to public safety.
This new policy goes far beyond California’s existing sanctuary laws, which already limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE. Under this extreme policy, San Diego County will refuse to communicate with ICE about anyone in custody, prevent access to county facilities, and block ICE agents from even knowing individuals’ release dates. This reckless decision seems to be a direct response to President Trump’s immigration policies and his promises to ramp up deportations.
Supporters of the “super sanctuary” policy argue that it protects undocumented immigrants and keeps families together. However, this narrative overlooks a fundamental issue: the dangers of shielding illegal immigrants who may have committed serious crimes from deportation. Supervisor Jim Desmond, the only one to vote against the policy, rightly points out that the county is putting public safety at risk by allowing criminals to stay in the country. By refusing cooperation with ICE, the county is effectively preventing the removal of individuals who could harm residents.
BREAKING: The San Diego County Board of Supervisors just voted 3-1 to turn the county into a "super" sanctuary county by shielding illegals from deportation and preventing police from notifying ICE about dangerous illegals in custody.pic.twitter.com/ApINL5CtRy
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 11, 2024
BREAKING: The San Diego County Board of Supervisors just voted 3-1 to enact this policy & become a “Super Sanctuary” county, prohibiting all cooperation with ICE, even on serious crimes like rape, & going further than CA sanctuary state law. Republican @jim_desmond only no vote. https://t.co/P8Tvsw63rh
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) December 10, 2024
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of this decision is how far San Diego County is willing to go in compromising public safety. By prohibiting all cooperation with ICE, even in cases involving dangerous criminals, the county is undermining the rule of law. This policy sets a dangerous precedent, one that could embolden criminals and create a less safe environment for everyone.
Sanctuary policies have been a divisive issue in the U.S. for years. With the growing tension between federal and local authorities, especially during the Trump administration, this decision by San Diego only deepens the divide. The decision to escalate sanctuary policies to such a radical level underscores the ongoing conflict over immigration enforcement in this country.
San Diego’s move to become a “super sanctuary county” is not just an overreach—it’s a reckless decision that endangers public safety. The potential consequences of this policy will be far-reaching, impacting both the safety of residents and the immigrant community itself. As this policy moves forward, we must keep a close eye on its implications and address the problems it creates.
NEW: San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez announces she will not adhere to the "super sanctuary" policy approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors today, pointing out that she is an independently elected official, the Board does not set policy for her office, and… pic.twitter.com/NigwuElztR
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) December 11, 2024
Sources:
https://www.newsweek.com/california-super-sanctuary-ice-mass-deportations-1998961
https://news.yahoo.com/news/california-county-votes-ramp-sanctuary-234612989.html