Robert Rivas Leads Opposition to Proposed Gilroy ICE Center

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas led a coalition of faith leaders and elected officials on Wednesday to denounce a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center near Gilroy in Santa Clara County. Rivas characterized the facility as part of an unlawful immigration enforcement campaign by the Trump administration and vowed to continue fighting the project until it is defeated.

The proposal faces significant legal hurdles after the California Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block the center. The state alleges that federal officials advanced the project in secret, failing to notify local governments or follow state environmental laws. Construction is currently paused as this legal case proceeds.

This opposition coincides with broader legislative efforts by the California State Assembly to increase oversight of immigration agent conduct. These measures specifically aim to restrict ICE enforcement activities at hospitals and schools to protect immigrant communities.