Federal immigration enforcement preparedness (S.H.I.E.L.D.)
Summary
The board approved in concept a new county code chapter prohibiting county parking lots, buildings, and open spaces from being used as staging areas or operation bases for federal civil immigration enforcement. Final adoption is set for March 24, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. subcommittee will also explore requiring DHS agents to identify themselves.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 29, 2026.
Impact analysis
Costs are limited so far to staff time for signage and access controls, with a cost estimate to come back to the board.
Immigrant families and all residents accessing county health, education, and social services without fear of enforcement activity on county property.
Federal immigration enforcement operations lose access to county facilities as staging and processing sites.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of Supervisors - Special Meeting - Sep 29, 2026
Chair Martinez and Supervisor Hernandez formed the SHIELD Subcommittee to set clear countywide procedures for what happens if federal immigration agents come to a county facility, aiming to keep services accessible to everyone.
Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting - May 19, 2026
The S.H.I.E.L.D. subcommittee reported that a proposed ICE detention facility in unincorporated Gilroy is already spreading fear through South County, with families skipping work, school, and medical appointments. The board adopted a new countywide policy for staff encounters with federal agents, backed the No Secret Police Act, and will explore legal options with Santa Clara County.
Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting - Mar 10, 2026
The board approved in concept a new county code chapter prohibiting county parking lots, buildings, and open spaces from being used as staging areas or operation bases for federal civil immigration enforcement. Final adoption is set for March 24, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. subcommittee will also explore requiring DHS agents to identify themselves.
Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026
Supervisors created a two-member subcommittee to coordinate how the county protects health, inclusion, essential services and local defense as federal immigration enforcement evolves, with a March 10 report-back and possible special meetings.
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