Federal Government Defends Planned ICE Facility in Santa Clara County

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filed court documents stating that a planned processing facility in Gilroy will typically house approximately 10 detainees for temporary processing. The filing responds to a June lawsuit from the state of California and Santa Clara County, which alleges the federal government bypassed zoning rules and environmental laws.

State and county officials, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, previously claimed the facility could hold up to 150 detainees. The federal government maintains the project is exempt from environmental reviews because it utilizes an existing office building on a 25-acre parcel. The new site is intended to replace the ICE Morgan Hill field office, which has a lease expiring in late August.

Legal representatives for the state and county have criticized the federal approach, with Rob Bonta stating the government wants the court to endorse an "act-now-think-later approach" that would negatively impact the community and environment. Huy Tran of the Immigrant Rights and Education Network expressed skepticism over the stated capacity, suggesting the government's mantra is "If they build it, they will fill it."

A federal court hearing to determine if a preliminary injunction will block construction is scheduled for September 8.