Supervisors reject repeal of "super sanctuary" policy L-2 after heated public comment

Supervisor Jim Desmond introduced a motion to repeal board policy L-2, the county's so-called "super sanctuary" policy, arguing the change was limited to persons in the country illegally who had been convicted of serious crimes and were in county jails. The board debated the motion and received extensive public comment before the motion failed on a split vote.

Desmond framed the proposal as a public-safety measure limited to "people here illegally who have been convicted of a high level crime," and said the proposal was not intended as a mass-deportation measure. "These individuals should not be allowed to remain in our country after committing such heinous crimes," he said in his remarks.

The item drew sustained public interest: staff recorded 41 requests to speak (24 in person, 17 by phone) and 268 written e-comments (21 in favor, 241 opposed, 2 neutral). Speakers on both sides addressed the board; callers and in-person speakers included local residents, organizers and organizational representatives. Supporters of repeal repeatedly argued the change would prioritize public safety and permit direct cooperation with ICE for convicted criminals. Opponents said repeal would erode trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes, and could expose residents to deportation risks.

Speakers opposing repeal included representatives from immigrant-rights organizations who said sanctuary-style policies protect community trust. Patricia Mondragon of Alliance San Diego urged the board to "respect human rights and family values" and said "Welcoming policies do not increase crime rates; they reduce them." Legal and research presenters cited existing law allowing local cooperation with federal authorities in cases of serious felonies and noted that California Government Code 7284.6 and other state provisions already define limits on local involvement.

Supervisor Monica Montgomery Stepp said she had reservations about the policy when it was adopted in December, but emphasized procedural and practical concerns: the sheriff is an independently elected official and sets department policy. Montgomery Stepp said she believed the policy did not limit enforcement of criminal law and noted studies finding no detectable increase in crime in counties that limit cooperation with ICE.

Supervisor Anderson seconded Desmond's motion. Following discussion, the board held a roll-call vote: Supervisors Anderson and Desmond voted yes; Supervisor Montgomery Stepp voted no; Vice Chair Lawson Reimer abstained. The clerk announced, "that motion fails with Supervisor Lawson Reamer abstaining and supervisor Montgomery step voting no, and supervisors Anderson and Desmond voting aye."

Ending: The board did not repeal policy L-2. The item generated an extended public record with dozens of speakers and hundreds of written comments; supervisors and staff noted the political sensitivity and the independent authority of the sheriff in carrying out department operations.