San Diego, CA – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is set to vote today on a proposal to repeal the county’s controversial Super Sanctuary law, officially known as Board Policy L-2. The measure, introduced by Supervisor Jim Desmond, seeks to restore local law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in cases involving individuals convicted of violent crimes.
Background on the Super Sanctuary Law
On December 10, 2024, the Board adopted the Super Sanctuary law, which restricts county departments from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in civil immigration enforcement—even in cases where individuals have been convicted of serious felonies. This policy goes beyond the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54), which already limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities but allows exceptions for violent offenders.
Critics argue that the Super Sanctuary law prioritizes criminal offenders over public safety and ties the hands of local law enforcement in addressing threats within the community. Supervisor Desmond, who has been vocal in his opposition, stated:
“Public safety is a fundamental responsibility of local government, and the ability of law enforcement to effectively protect communities is essential. However, existing policies limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, creating obstacles in addressing public safety threats.”
He further emphasized that federal protections already exist to safeguard crime victims, regardless of their immigration status, and that repealing the Super Sanctuary law would allow law enforcement to focus on removing individuals who pose a legitimate threat to the community.
Public Safety Concerns and Sheriff’s Stance
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has also expressed concerns about the Super Sanctuary law, stating that it interferes with her department’s ability to uphold public safety. She previously indicated that her office would not comply with the policy, asserting that state law already strikes a balance between protecting undocumented crime victims and ensuring dangerous individuals are not shielded from deportation.
Supporters of repealing the Super Sanctuary law argue that law enforcement must be allowed to work with federal authorities to prevent repeat offenders from harming the community. Critics cite cases in which individuals convicted of violent crimes were released back into the public rather than turned over to ICE for deportation.
Community Reaction and Debate
The proposed repeal has sparked heated debate. Immigrant rights advocates argue that increasing cooperation with ICE could lead to racial profiling and fear among immigrant communities, discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. On the other hand, law enforcement officials and conservative leaders assert that repealing the Super Sanctuary law is about ensuring public safety and preventing violent offenders from re-entering communities.
Supervisor Desmond addressed these concerns directly, stating:
“The Super Sanctuary law goes beyond what current state law requires and prioritizes criminals over the safety and well-being of our communities. There are existing federal protections in place to protect victims of crimes, regardless of immigration status. Today’s action would repeal the Super Sanctuary law.”
What’s Next?
If the Board votes to repeal the law, San Diego County law enforcement agencies will once again be allowed to cooperate with ICE in cases involving individuals convicted of violent felonies, aligning local practices with existing state and federal laws.
The outcome of today’s vote will have significant implications for public safety and immigration enforcement in San Diego County, setting the tone for future policies on law enforcement cooperation with federal agencies. The Board’s decision will be closely watched by both opponents and supporters of sanctuary policies across California.
