MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County 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 Feb. 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 Jose, 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 was one of the first jurisdictions to implement a widespread, coordinated community outreach effort spearheaded by Supervisors Luis Alejo and Chris Lopez, as the Monterey County 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,” said Alejo, who represents District 1, which includes most of Salinas. “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.”
As chair of the Board of Supervisors, Lopez emphasized the community’s commitment to recognizing the dignity of all individuals in the region.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Lopez, who represents District 3 including South Monterey County, called for unity within the community and urged the court system to avoid punitive actions against diligent workers affected by a flawed immigration system.
“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,” he continued. “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, Case No. 25-cv-01350.
