The County of Monterey joins other local jurisdictions nationwide in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors announced Friday that they have joined a coalition of cities and counties across the country in a lawsuit that challenges the Trump Administration's threats against local jurisdictions and "sanctuary" policies.
The lawsuit is spearheaded by the County of Santa Clara and the City and County of San
Francisco. According to the County of Monterey, it "argues that recent federal actions violate the Constitution by attempting to coerce local governments into enforcing federal immigration laws under the threat of withholding federal funds."
The lawsuit claims that federal attempts to withhold funding from jurisdictions with noncooperation policies is a violation of constitutional rights and prevents local resources from being used to enforce federal civil immigration laws. According to the lawsuit, withholding funds also prevents cities to focus on local priorities like public health and safety.
County leaders are emphasizing the importance in protecting local decision-making with a commitment to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities.
"It’s imperative to challenge any executive orders that overreach and attempt to withhold federal funds from counties and cities," said 1st District Supervisor Luis A. Alejo in a statement put out by the county Friday. "The Constitution protects local governments’ decisions on how to spend it’s local resources, and our decision to not engage in immigration enforcement, which is a federal responsibility.”
“The stories of our friends, families, and neighbors are stories of resilience, hard work, and sacrifice—stories written by those who have chosen to build their lives in the rich and fertile soils of the Salinas Valley," said 3rd District Supervisor and County Chair Christopher Lopez. "These are the stories that define who we are as a community and as a nation."
There was an amended complaint that was filed Thursday evening that added 11 more jurisdictions to the case, seven of which are in California, according to the county: San José, San Diego, Oakland, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Emeryville and the County of Monterey.
"Collectively, the plaintiffs represent nearly 10 million residents," according to the County of Monterey. "Courts have repeatedly upheld local governments’ right to determine how to allocate their resources, and these policies do not prevent the federal government from enforcing immigration laws with its own resources."
According to the County of Monterey, they were one of the first jurisdictions to implement a widespread and coordinated community outreach effort as well as designate an Ad Hoc Committee on immigration matters.
"Today, we stand united with all members of our community," said Supervisor Lopez. "Let us move forward together, with compassion and resolve, to build a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Monterey County is stronger when we stand as one, and together, we will continue to lead, innovate, and feed the world.”
The lawsuit--City and County of San Francisco, et al., v. Donald J. Trump, et al.--is being
heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and it's case number 25-cv01350.
