Board adds and adopts urgent resolution condemning use of military force in civilian communities

Santa Cruz — The Board of Supervisors on June 10 added a late emergency item to the consent agenda and unanimously adopted an urgent resolution condemning the use of military force in civilian communities and affirming constitutional rights for all residents.

Late addition and vote to place on agenda

County Chief Executive Officer Carlos Palacios told the board a late item — item 72 — requesting adoption of an "urgency resolution condemning the use of military force in civilian communities and affirming the constitutional rights of all residents" had been submitted over the weekend and required a four‑fifths vote of the board to appear on the agenda. The board voted unanimously to place the late item on the agenda for today’s meeting. (Motion to add late item: Supervisor Martinez; second: Supervisor Cummings; roll call: unanimous.)

Public comment and community support

During public comment dozens of speakers urged the board to adopt the resolution and expand protections for immigrant neighbors. Speakers included community leaders, mental‑health advocates, clergy and residents who described fear in immigrant communities and urged local officials to use the county’s authority and example to oppose federal enforcement actions that entail military deployment.

Erica Padilla Chavez, a Pajaro Valley resident, thanked the board for adding the item and for Chair Hernandez’s leadership and said, "I'm proud of being the daughter of Mexican immigrants… I am particularly proud of all of you … who have chosen to use your lives to make our communities and therefore our country stronger and more vibrant." Other speakers, including representatives of community‑based organizations and the mental health advisory board, asked the board to pair the resolution with concrete protections and signage in public facilities. (Multiple community speakers; first referenced 2721.7751s onward)

Board action

Supervisors said they support the resolution and the principle that constitutional rights and due process should be affirmed locally. Supervisor Martinez and other supervisors cited the county’s sanctuary stance and urged continued work to protect vulnerable residents. The resolution was included in the consent agenda as item 72 and passed as part of the board’s consent vote. (Consent adoption: unanimous vote.)

Why this matters

The resolution is symbolic but reflects local government opposition to federal deployments of military or National Guard forces in civilian law‑enforcement contexts. Several speakers urged the board to follow up with signage in public facilities and additional actions to protect immigrant residents; staff and supervisors noted the limits of county authority but indicated intent to coordinate with statewide and regional partners.

Next steps

Staff will implement routine steps to publish and record the resolution; several speakers asked staff to return with options for public signage and guidance for county facilities about interactions with federal enforcement; supervisors indicated interest in follow‑up.