Santa Clara County v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Santa Clara County filed a lawsuit to stop the federal government from building and operating an immigration detention facility in its jurisdiction. Public Rights Project, in partnership with Monterey County, filed an amicus brief supporting Santa Clara’s request for a preliminary injunction. In total, 26 local governments joined the brief.

The proposed facility is part of the federal administration’s harmful agenda to deport 1 million people per year. It will strain local governments, impose real financial hardship and emotional toll on residents, and perpetuate an inhumane federal immigration policy.

The facility would increase immigration enforcement activity and arrests of community members. Our brief details the harms to local governments if it’s built, including:

• Damage to local economies: Labor shortages from increased arrests and deportations, especially in industries like agriculture, will result in lost revenue. For example, the Bay Area could lose $8 billion in annual tax revenue if undocumented workers are removed from their jobs
• Increased risks to public health and safety: Fearful residents are less likely to report crimes, seek medical care, or be civically engaged
• Immense strain on children and families: If families are separated, households will be at risk of losing at least one income, and children may not go to school. Because school funding is tied to attendance, local governments will face reduced budgets, making it challenging to hire staff or supply classrooms with resources.

We also explain how the federal government’s violations of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act — by failing to inform the county and the state of California about the proposed facility — have needlessly burdened local jurisdictions.

Read the amicus brief.