Fresno County adopts 2026 federal legislative platform after split vote on immigration language
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Summary
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to adopt its 2026 federal legislative platform after a heated debate over language concerning federal immigration enforcement and references to criminal noncitizens; the platform also includes positions on HR 1, SNAP administrative costs, SALT and public-health priorities.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on Jan. 27 to adopt a revised 2026 federal legislative platform after a lengthy discussion over proposed immigration-related language.
The platform updates address federal policy changes from HR 1, including new SNAP administrative cost-share rules and upcoming Medicaid redetermination requirements, as well as county priorities for surface transportation, the farm bill and Secure Rural Schools/PILT funding. Deputy CAO Samantha Buck told the board the platform incorporates department input and guidance for the county——s federal advocates.
Debate centered on a proposed bullet to "support federal laws removing criminal illegal aliens." Supervisor Magsick, who moved the motion to adopt the platform with the changes, said the phrase was intended as a broad statement of support for federal efforts to remove individuals convicted of qualifying crimes. County Counsel recommended framing consistent with state law; Sheriff Zanoni told the board the office cooperates with federal authorities only on individuals and crimes listed in SB 54 and when contacted by federal agencies.
Opposition speakers from the public urged the board to avoid the phrase "illegal aliens" and to ensure any support for enforcement is constrained to those convicted of crimes. Several community members called for clarity about which immigration-related bills the board supports.
After the motion (moved by Supervisor Magsick and seconded by Supervisor Mendez), the board approved the document 3-2. Supervisors Pacheco and Chavez registered the dissent. The board clerk recorded the vote as 3 in favor, 2 opposed.
The adopted platform also removes language related to a recently passed harm reduction measure and adds federal public-health priorities that include fentanyl and regulation of emerging psychoactive substances, per the staff presentation.
The county's federal advocates, Townsend Public Affairs, advised the board about likely implementation dates tied to HR 1 and other federal measures, which county staff will use to shape outreach and appropriations requests.
Officials said the platform is intended to guide the county——s letters of support or opposition and to inform work with the county——s congressional delegation and federal agencies in 2026.