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San Mateo County votes to restrict assisting ICE
By Joshua D. Picazo Editor-in-Chief
San Mateo County's Board of Supervisors voted to end cooperation with federal agencies, such as U.S. Immigration, and Customs Enforcement (ICE), April 25, prohibiting the use of county funds in collaboration with these agencies. The Board voted 4-1 in support of the ordinance.
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While some exceptions will be made, such as in criminal investigations, this further extends similar policies, such as the County Sherrif's Office policy, which since November 2021, no longer aids ICE in the detention or transfers without judicial warrants.
District's undocumented students and allies encouraged by ordinance
Many San Mateo County's Community College District staff and students support this vote.
"I think it's a good direction moving forward," said Martin Marquez of the Skyline College Dream Center. "Just because our students already feel uncomfortable and unsafe and don't feel as protected with already being undocumented in an institution like this. And to already unveil themselves as being undocumented comes with a lot of work and bravery. But the fact that now, the county is now pushing forward with more support, I think that is able to make students feel prouder."
The Board's vote along with much of the District's policies point towards the region's inclusiveness of students regardless of citizenship status.
Not all supervisors agree with the specifics
Supervisor Ray Mueller dissented, explaining that the ordinance leaves gaps in safety. "Restrictions don't apply to human trafficking. Under California state law, in the Values Act, counties are not allowed to assist ICE except in minimal circumstances [such as] felonies misdemeanors, [the Board] wants to go further."
"You're going too far. I would say, 'Don't eliminate felony murder, felony rape, and felony child molestation,'" Mueller told The Skyline View.
Local immigration advocates view this as a win
Advocates say this ordinance will ensure people in the undocumented community can better report criminal activity.
