San Diego County has taken a bold stance in the national immigration debate by enacting a “Super Sanctuary” policy that further restricts local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Board of Supervisors approved the measure during a contentious vote, aligning the county with several other California jurisdictions doubling down on protections for undocumented immigrants.
Policy Overview
Under the new rules, county law enforcement officers are prohibited from notifying ICE about undocumented individuals in custody unless a judicial warrant is issued. This marks a significant departure from prior practices, which allowed broader communication between local authorities and federal immigration agents. Supporters of the policy argue that it enhances trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, encouraging crime reporting and cooperation without fear of deportation.
Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, one of the policy’s champions, emphasized the need for moral leadership: “This is about protecting our neighbors, our families, and upholding human dignity in the face of harmful federal overreach.”
Law Enforcement Pushback
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has openly opposed the policy, stating that it may hinder effective law enforcement operations. She insists that current state laws—such as the California Values Act—already provide adequate boundaries between local police and federal immigration enforcement, without compromising public safety.
“I will not enforce a policy that may put our deputies in legal jeopardy and strain relations with federal partners,” Martinez declared during a press conference. Her refusal to comply with the Board’s directive sets the stage for a possible legal standoff between the sheriff’s department and county leadership.
Federal Reaction
The backlash from Washington was immediate. Tom Homan, recently appointed as the incoming border czar by President-elect Donald Trump, condemned the move. He warned that sanctuary jurisdictions pose “a severe public safety threat” and pledged to take decisive action to override such local policies through executive orders and federal funding threats.
The federal government’s renewed commitment to aggressive deportation initiatives under Trump’s incoming administration has already escalated tensions with sanctuary jurisdictions. San Diego’s new position could make it a high-profile battleground in the struggle over immigration authority and local autonomy.
Broader Context
This development places San Diego firmly among California counties that are resisting federal pressure and reaffirming their sanctuary commitments. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have long implemented similar restrictions, but San Diego’s “Super Sanctuary” label signals an intensification of the divide.
While critics see the policy as a dangerous political gesture, advocates argue that it represents an essential act of resistance against an increasingly punitive immigration system. For many residents—particularly those from immigrant communities—the policy is seen as a step toward safety, dignity, and inclusion in a politically charged climate.
