A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction blocking construction at a proposed ICE facility in South County as the lawsuit against the project plays out in court. In a 23-page ruling filed Friday, Northern District of California Judge Eumi Lee said that plaintiffs are “likely to succeed” in their claim that the federal government...
Silicon Valley immigrants to face stricter green card requirements
Federal rule changes taking effect later this month will make it harder for immigrants applying to live and work in the U.S. Starting Sept. 18, obtaining a green card will require a greater burden of proof that the applicant won’t become a “public charge” who is dependent on government benefits. As part of the process, green...
UPDATE: Federal judge weighs temporary pause for South County ICE facility
The judge reviewing a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed ICE facility in South County has deferred a ruling on a preliminary injunction asking for a temporary halt to construction work. The Tuesday decision from Northern District of California Judge Eumi Lee means it may take another week or more until she renders her final...
Bay Area lawmakers’ bills to combat ICE head to Newsom’s desk
Several state bills spurred by Silicon Valley lawmakers to keep federal immigration agents accountable and uphold rights for detainees are headed to the governor’s desk. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities have been rife with alleged human rights violations, with reports of inhumane living conditions, sexual abuse, unsanitary food and inadequate medical care. In...
Judge favors blocking planned South County ICE facility
A federal judge has indicated she is leaning toward granting a preliminary injunction that would block a controversial plan to create an ICE facility in South County as the lawsuit against it proceeds. Eumi Lee, a judge with the Northern District of California, issued a tentative ruling Friday in which she said that plaintiffs have...
Santa Clara County schools united in opposing ICE facility
School districts across Santa Clara County are taking a stand against a proposed immigration enforcement facility in South County. A coalition of education and county leaders gathered Wednesday to denounce the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center being planned in an unincorporated area just outside Gilroy. The group is sending a joint letter —...
Feds say South County ICE facility will hold minimal detainees
Federal officials say a planned ICE facility in South County will typically house about 10 detainees, according to the most detailed official statement yet released outlining the project. New court documents filed last week lay out the legal response to a lawsuit seeking to block the facility, and claim detention space will be used only...
Silicon Valley lawmaker’s playbook aims to block ICE facilities
South Bay and Peninsula leaders are seeking to sharpen their legal defenses against new federal immigration facilities by strengthening local zoning rules. Amid a nationwide multibillion dollar buildout of immigration detention centers, Silicon Valley Congressmember Sam Liccardo unveiled a policy “toolkit” Wednesday developed by his office to aid local governments hoping to forestall such facilities....
Alum Rock trustees oppose ICE facility in South County
An East San Jose school district has joined a growing effort among local education leaders in opposing a planned federal immigration facility in South County. Supporters said it reaffirms the district’s commitment to protecting immigrant students and families. The Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees on Tuesday approved a resolution opposing the proposed facility in...
Legal experts weigh in on South County ICE facility lawsuit
Santa Clara County and state leaders are gearing up for legal battle to block a planned ICE facility in South County. The lawsuit filed last month by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and county officials argues the federal government has illegally bypassed environmental laws, local zoning rules and other statutes in advancing the project just east...