Santa Cruz supervisors create 'Shield' subcommittee to prepare for federal immigration enforcement

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Jan. 27 to establish an ad hoc subcommittee called Shield to coordinate county preparedness for possible federal immigration enforcement actions. Supervisors Monica Martinez and John Hernandez will serve on the subcommittee and work with staff and regional partners to protect access to essential county services and strengthen internal response protocols.

County leaders said the action is driven by recent federal enforcement activity elsewhere and local concerns that enforcement operations can reduce school attendance, disrupt health care and create fear in immigrant communities. "This item is about local preparedness," Chair Monica Martinez said, describing the subcommittee’s role in reinforcing department protocols and ensuring staff know confidentiality and response procedures.

In discussion, board members emphasized the subcommittee should not be merely symbolic. Supervisor Hernandez said recent enforcement operations in neighboring jurisdictions had a "chilling effect" that pushed families out of public life and hurt the local economy. Public commenters — including school district officials, community‑based organizations and faith leaders — urged the county to couple the subcommittee with rapid‑response legal support, funding for outreach, clear communications and partnerships with trusted local organizations.

Staff told the board the subcommittee will review existing department policies, coordinate with regional "Belonging" convenings and seek to identify practical actions that can be taken under current authority. The board directed staff to provide a briefing on what county departments have already done and return with proposals and an initial report timeline. The motion to create Shield, with added direction for staff presentations and community engagement, passed 5–0.

The subcommittee is expected to coordinate with the sheriff’s office, the district attorney, county counsel and community partners, and to report back to the full board with recommended administrative and policy changes.

The next procedural step identified by staff is a public convening of community partners and a March staff report to the board on progress and recommended actions.