Sheriff nominee in San Mateo County pledges compliance with SB54, vows to rebuild office morale

Brian Windhue, being considered for appointment as the next sheriff of San Mateo County, said he fled Vietnam as a child and pledged to ensure the sheriff's office follows Senate Bill 54 and county rules limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement while working to rebuild morale and public trust.

The remarks, delivered as a brief public statement, focused on immigration policy and internal office culture — two areas that shape how a sheriff's office sets enforcement priorities and interacts with immigrant communities and county employees.

Windhue described his personal background, saying he was born in Vietnam, fled the country as a young boy in early 1979 and that the family was granted asylum the same year. He said the family began a new life in the city of San Mateo and called being considered for sheriff "profoundly meaningful, both a homecoming and a fulfillment of purpose."

He told listeners he would ensure staff "adhere strictly to the guidelines within Senate Bill 54 and the county's ordinance that strictly prohibits us from working with ICE agents on immigration enforcement unless there's a court order." He added, "I want to reassure our migrant community that we are here to protect and keep every county resident safe regardless of one's immigration status."

Windhue also said "we have a lot of work to do to rebuild morale and trust within the office and also within our communities," and said serving as sheriff would be both a privilege and a homecoming. He closed his remarks by saying he was ready to serve and thanked listeners for their time.

No formal action or vote was recorded in the transcript excerpts provided.