San Diego, California, January 24, 2026
In 2025, San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has reportedly transferred individuals to ICE custody without judicial warrants at least 10 times, contradicting county policies. The actions have sparked debate over local law enforcement’s compliance with federal immigration authorities and the state’s sanctuary laws. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is considering potential legal enforcement to uphold its policy restricting cooperation with ICE, especially as they prepare for a vote on further limitations in early 2026.
San Diego Sheriff Continues ICE Transfers Despite County Restrictions
San Diego, California – San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has transferred individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at least 10 times in 2025, despite county policies prohibiting such actions without a judicial warrant. This issue has ignited ongoing debates regarding local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Details of the Transfers
Between January and August 2025, 48 individuals were transferred from San Diego County jails to ICE custody. Of these, 10 transfers occurred without a judicial warrant, violating county policy. The remaining 38 transfers were conducted with judicial warrants, which align with the sheriff’s office’s interpretation of state law.
County Policy and State Law
In December 2024, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors adopted a policy restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including prohibiting ICE access to county facilities and requiring judicial warrants for transfers. Sheriff Martinez, however, maintains that as an independently elected official, she sets policy for the sheriff’s office and continues to cooperate with ICE when a judicial warrant is presented.
Community and Legal Reactions
Community organizations and legal experts have expressed concern over the sheriff’s actions. They argue that transfers conducted without judicial warrants may violate state sanctuary laws designed to protect residents from federal immigration enforcement. The California Values Act (SB 54) limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, allowing such interactions only under specific circumstances, such as when an individual has been convicted of certain serious crimes.
Potential Enforcement Measures
The county board is considering further actions to enforce its policy, which may include legal challenges or budgetary adjustments. The California Attorney General’s office has indicated that law enforcement must comply with local policies that are more restrictive than state law.
Background Context
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has a history of cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In 2024, reports indicated that the sheriff’s office conducted searches of their automatic license plate readers on behalf of Customs and Border Protection, raising concerns about compliance with state sanctuary laws.
Looking Ahead
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to reconvene on January 28, 2026, to vote on a new ordinance further restricting federal immigration enforcement within county facilities. The outcome of this vote may significantly influence future interactions between the sheriff’s office and federal immigration authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office’s policy regarding ICE transfers?
The sheriff’s office continues to transfer individuals to ICE custody when a judicial warrant is presented, despite county policies requiring such transfers to be conducted only with a judicial warrant.
What is the California Values Act (SB 54)?
SB 54 is a state law that limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, allowing such cooperation only under specific circumstances, such as when an individual has been convicted of certain serious crimes.
What actions is the San Diego County Board of Supervisors considering to enforce its policy?
The board is considering further actions, including potential legal challenges or budgetary adjustments, to enforce its policy restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
When is the next vote on the ordinance further limiting ICE cooperation?
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to reconvene on January 28, 2026, to vote on a new ordinance further restricting federal immigration enforcement within county facilities.
Key Features of the San Diego Sheriff’s Office’s ICE Transfer Practices
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Unauthorized Transfers | 10 transfers without a judicial warrant in 2025 |
| County Policy | Requires judicial warrants for ICE transfers |
| State Law | California Values Act (SB 54) limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities |
| Potential Enforcement Actions | Legal challenges or budgetary adjustments by the county board |
| Upcoming Vote | San Diego County Board of Supervisors to vote on new ordinance on January 28, 2026 |
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