23 Jun County Supervisors to Host Forum on Local Immigration Enforcement

A federal agent holds protesters back from a vehicle containing local immigrants who had attended immigration hearings at the Concord Immigration Court on June 10. (Tony Hicks / Bay City News)

By Tony Hicks
Bay City News

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will discuss local immigration enforcement activities on July 22 during a community forum on the state’s Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act during the board’s regular meeting.

The TRUTH Act aims to increase transparency and accountability among federal and local law enforcement agencies. It’s meant to ensure local law enforcement agencies provide people in their custody with basic due rights should federal immigration authorities seek them.

A statement from the board said the discussion will focus on local immigration activities in 2024 and agencies’ interaction with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The annual forum has been held since 2017.

In recent weeks, ICE agents have showed up to arrest immigrants at the federal immigration court in Concord. Agents have clashed with protesters and U.S. Rep. Mark Desaulnier, D-Walnut Creek, has criticized the arrests and demanded a meeting with ICE’s interim director.

“The TRUTH Act forum is an important opportunity for community dialogue and trust,” said Supervisor and board chair Candace Andersen. “It gives our immigrant neighbors and those who are concerned about these issues the chance to ask questions, share concerns, and be part of a transparent conversation about how local law enforcement interacts with ICE.

“This forum is one way we show that every resident matters, and that Contra Costa County is committed to accountability and inclusion,” Andersen said.

The board will also hear the quarterly sheriff’s oversight report, which includes information on the Sheriff’s Office’s interactions with ICE.

The forum starts at 9:30 a.m. and can be seen at www.contracosta.ca.gov or on CCTV channels, DirecTV Channel 99, Comcast Channel 27, or Astound Channel 32. Send comments or questions to TRUTHAct@cob.cccounty.us. The board meets at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez.

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