Alameda County Board unanimously opposes reopening of FCI Dublin after hours of public testimony

Alameda County's Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on April 7 to adopt a resolution opposing any reopening or repurposing of the former Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin for detention or other correctional operations.

President Halbert introduced the item and framed it as a symbolic but important statement of county values. Supervisor Marquez, who moved the resolution, said the board was standing with community advocates and survivors who have documented facility failings, alleged staff misconduct and unsafe conditions, and urged the county to oppose federal plans to reestablish detention capacity at the site.

Supervisor Fortunato Bass, co-chair of the county's Alameda County Together for All committee, said the resolution seeks to prevent repetition of historical harms and to protect the county's large immigrant population. Supervisor Miley asked clarifying questions about the scope of the measure and whether the board's opposition applied to any future correctional purpose; after discussion he said he would support the resolution because he was satisfied the record supports it.

The board then heard extensive public comment. Dozens of speakers, including survivors of FCI Dublin, local residents, faith leaders, union representatives and members of immigrant-justice organizations, urged the board to adopt the resolution. Testimony cited reports of deaths and abuse in federal custody, concerns about solitary confinement, and the potential impact on community safety and children's well-being. Survivor testimony described personal accounts of mistreatment at Dublin and other detention sites.

Supervisor Marquez moved adoption of the resolution "opposing the reopening or repurposing of the former federal correctional institution in Dublin for any future detention or correctional operations." The motion was seconded and the board took a roll-call vote: Supervisors Marquez, Tam, Miley, Fortunato Bass and President Halbert voted yes. The motion passed 5-0.

The board's action included a call for continued community engagement and stated that Alameda County will not support the use of local resources to enable reopening for detention purposes. The resolution does not carry legal force over federal property but serves as a formal statement of county policy and public opposition. The board also noted efforts to expand legal and rapid-response services for immigrants and refugees in the county.

Next steps: The board recorded the resolution and staff will follow up on outreach and coalition actions described during the meeting; no further board vote was required to adopt the resolution.