Commissioners back legal review after request to post "know your rights" signage at county public buildings

Commissioner Kelly Mejia asked the board to direct staff to post immigration "know your rights" signage at public‑facing county buildings after reports of federal immigration enforcement activity in the area. Mejia said the materials she circulated were similar to content distributed at a recent training and included examples of valid warrants to help residents identify lawful orders.

Mejia acknowledged the sensitivity of providing legal information and asked for legal review. "If we're going to have ... know your rights, I just wanna be sure that there is legal review, at least risk review, because I don't wanna put the county in a situation where ... we are giving any kind of legal advice," she said.

Multiple board members expressed support for the goal but recommended steps before posting signs: obtain County Counsel review, coordinate with elected office holders who control particular buildings (for example, the sheriff and judiciary control certain facilities and courtrooms), locate and review pamphlets previously distributed in 2020, and develop a county policy on external signage for public buildings. The county manager said staff will research existing materials and that coordination with facility managers is required; several commissioners asked staff to provide cost and maintenance information and to consult judges where court displays are proposed.

No signage was posted during the work session. The board agreed to return the item after legal review and staff coordination; commissioners suggested that existing pamphlets from 2020 could be used as an interim resource while the county completes review and policy work.

Ending

Staff will research previous pamphlets, obtain legal and risk review, coordinate with facility managers and elected officials responsible for courthouses and the jail, and return with recommendations, cost estimates, and a proposed signage policy after summer recess.