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Sheriff and district attorney tell Humboldt County they will follow Measure K and SB 54, explain jail and detainer procedures
Summary
Sheriff Billy Hounsell and District Attorney Stacy Eads told a special Human Rights Commission meeting that Humboldt County will follow Measure K and California’s SB 54; they described how fingerprint-based notifications to federal agencies work and said the county does not honor ICE detainer holds except when state law and local ordinances allow release to ICE for serious, violent felony convictions.
Sheriff Billy Hounsell and District Attorney Stacy Eads addressed community fears about immigration enforcement at a special Humboldt County Human Rights Commission meeting, saying the county will comply with Measure K and California Senate Bill 54 while explaining how federal notifications and custody decisions occur.
"It remains in place, as does Senate Bill, 54," District Attorney Stacy Eads said, adding that her office and local law enforcement "do not provide assistance to federal immigration, officers." She noted the state law contemplates limited post-conviction communication for "very serious and violent offenses" but said those cases represent a small portion of people who might be affected.
Sheriff Billy Hounsell described the local role when federal agents come to the county: "They can request assistance. ... I have no jurisdiction over federal law enforcement bureau. I cannot enforce federal law." He explained that when someone is arrested and fingerprinted in the county correctional facility, those prints are transmitted to federal systems and that, if federal authorities identify an immigration violation, the county may be notified. "We do not honor that hold," Hounsell said, describing current practice under Measure K and SB 54 that the county will not detain someone beyond the state charge period solely at ICE's request except in cases consistent with the local ordinance and state law (for serious or violent felonies).
Hounsell said sanctuary policies have reduced informal advance notice from ICE, which previously allowed local officials to verify or discuss planned enforcement: "Before the sanctuary ordinance ... we had open dialogue with ICE. ... They actually told me when they were coming into town." That change, he said, has complicated rapid rumor verification in the community.
Both officials urged residents to use official channels if they believe enforcement is happening. The sheriff said 911 should be called to report suspected on-site activity so law enforcement can respond and verify. He also described nonpunitive options for victims of crime, including U and T visa pathways for people who qualify.
The sheriff announced a county public meeting on February 4 to review compliance with Measure K and SB 54, how many times ICE has interacted with the correctional facility, and to take public input.
The discussion was framed as a mix of legal limits, procedural safeguards, and reassurance: county officials emphasized they will follow state and county law while encouraging community members to seek verification through trusted community organizations and formal county channels.
The meeting did not produce a change to law or policy during the session; officials said they would present more details and answer further questions at the scheduled February 4 public meeting.
