Salinas, CA – The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors has joined a coalition of cities
and counties across the United States in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s
unlawful threats against local jurisdictions with so-called "sanctuary" policies. The
lawsuit, spearheaded by the County of Santa Clara and the City and County of San
Francisco, 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.
An amended complaint, filed Thursday evening, February 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of California, adds 11 new jurisdictions to the case, including the California cities
of San José, San Diego, Oakland, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, and Emeryville, as well as the
County of Monterey. Also joining are the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota,
Santa Fe in New Mexico, and Seattle in Washington.
These jurisdictions join the original plaintiffs, which include the City and County of San
Francisco, the County of Santa Clara, the City of Portland (Oregon), the City of New Haven
(Connecticut), and King County (Washington). Collectively, the plaintiffs represent nearly
10 million residents.
The lawsuit asserts that federal attempts to withhold funding from jurisdictions with non-
cooperation policies violate constitutional protections. These policies prevent local
resources from being used to enforce federal civil immigration laws, allowing counties
and cities to focus on local priorities, such as public health, safety and other essential
services.
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.
County of Monterey leaders emphasized the importance of protecting local decision-
making and their steadfast commitment to remain standing in solidarity with the
immigrant communities that have relentlessly contributed to the region’s economy and
culture. The County of Monterey was one of the first jurisdictions to implement a wide
spread, coordinated community outreach effort spearheaded by Supervisor Luis Alejo and
Supervisor Chris Lopez, as the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors’ designated Ad Hoc
Committee on Immigration matters.
“Monterey County values all that our immigrant workers and families contribute to our
local communities and economy. We continue to ensure that our county remains a
welcoming place for them.
It’s imperative to challenge any executive orders that overreach and attempt to withhold
federal funds from counties and cities. 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.”
— Luis A. Alejo, County of Monterey Supervisor, 1st District
“In Monterey County, we firmly believe in the dignity and inherent worth of every individual
who calls this community home. 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. These are the stories
that define who we are as a community and as a nation. Not long ago, during some of our
nation’s most challenging times, the world recognized the indispensable contributions of
our essential workers. These individuals—our neighbors—worked tirelessly to feed a
nation in crisis, ensuring that no family went hungry. Their dedication and perseverance
remind us of the strength and unity that bind us together.
Today, we stand united with all members of our community. We call on our court system
to reject punitive measures that unfairly target hardworking individuals for the
shortcomings of a broken federal immigration system. Instead, we urge our leaders in
Washington to pass comprehensive immigration reform—reform that reflects our values,
strengthens our economy, and honors the contributions of those who help feed not just
our nation, but the world.
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.”
— Christopher Lopez, Chair, County of Monterey Board of Supervisors, 3rd District
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, Case No. 25-cv-
01350.
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