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Monterey County funds pilot to provide immigration legal consultations for people detained at county jail
Summary
Monterey County’s Public Defender office will pilot modestly funded consultations with immigration attorneys for individuals detained at the Monterey County Jail, offering legal advice before transfers to federal immigration authorities; staff say operational details and capacity will be evaluated after launch.
Monterey County has allocated modest budget funds to start a pilot program that will give people detained at the Monterey County Jail access to consultations with immigration attorneys before any transfer to federal immigration authorities.
Tom O'Keefe, the county's chief assistant public defender, said the Public Defender’s Office has begun implementing the program and has had "very positive initial conversations with the sheriff's office." He described the purpose as ensuring detained individuals "have an opportunity to consult with a qualified immigration attorney before they're transferred to federal immigration authorities."
The consultations are intended to give people advice on their legal rights and options and to help them determine whether they may qualify for particular forms of immigration relief. O'Keefe said those meetings will also give detainees a chance to address personal matters, such as communicating with family members or arranging care for children or dependents who remain in the community.
"This program really is about access to legal counsel, due process, and informed decision making," O'Keefe said, adding that the office is developing procedures "that we think are both practical and effective." He also thanked the Board of Supervisors for providing the initial funding and praised the sheriff's office for working collaboratively on logistics.
County officials cautioned the funding is modest for the pilot's first year and does not provide for full-time courtroom representation. O'Keefe said the program will start on a limited basis while staff assess demand and operational needs; he offered to return with an update in future budget sessions.
The county has not specified the number of consultations to be provided under the pilot, the attorney staffing model, or an exact start date; O'Keefe said many operational details are still being worked out and will be clarified as the program is implemented.
