San Diego residents demand sheriff stop ICE collaboration to protect immigrant rights

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 22, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding local law enforcement's collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The meeting served as a platform for residents to voice their opposition to these practices, emphasizing the detrimental impact on immigrant families and community safety.

Brenda Nunez, a health and human service specialist, opened the forum by stressing the need for strong policy accountability with ICE, citing the chaos created by shifting immigration policies. She underscored the responsibility of border cities to protect the rights of all individuals. Tazeem Nizam, an advocate for Muslim communities, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that cooperation between local police and ICE fosters fear among immigrant families, which ultimately undermines public safety.

Several speakers, including Kathy Archibald and Jesse Diaz, called for adherence to the county's sanctuary policies, urging the sheriff's office to cease collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. They argued that such cooperation not only violates human rights but also instills fear in communities, preventing individuals from seeking help or reporting crimes.

The forum also featured voices from younger community members, such as Denise Lopez, a UCSD student, who expressed her anxiety about being targeted due to her appearance. She highlighted the urgent need for the sheriff's office to adopt sanctuary policies to ensure the safety of all residents.

Community leaders, including Jose Alfonso Lopez Aguino Jr., director of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, demanded an end to the collaboration with ICE, advocating for the use of county resources to support housing, mental health services, and youth programs instead of immigration enforcement.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing demand for transparency and accountability in local law enforcement practices, particularly regarding their impact on immigrant communities. As the county moves forward, the voices from this forum will likely influence ongoing debates about immigration policy and community safety in San Diego.