Title
a. Receive a preliminary response to Board Referral 2024.15 (Alejo/Lopez) regarding the creation of a Monterey County Immigrants’ Rights Ad Hoc Committee that will bring together key immigrant community stakeholders that could make recommendations, enhance communication and assist the County of Monterey in preparing and protecting our immigrant community in Monterey County against any unconstitutional and draconian federal actions; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary response to Board Referral 2024.15 (Alejo/Lopez) regarding the creation of a Monterey County Immigrants’ Rights Ad Hoc Committee that will bring together key immigrant community stakeholders that could make recommendations, enhance communication and assist the County of Monterey in preparing and protecting our immigrant community in Monterey County against any unconstitutional and draconian federal actions; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY:
On November 7, 2024, Supervisors Alejo and Lopez submitted a referral (Referral Number 2024.15) discussing President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated commitment to take drastic and severe actions against immigrants across our nation, including mass detentions and deportations of immigrants. Monterey County has the highest percentage of immigrants out of any county in California with 28.9% foreign born. In lieu of this, the referral asks that an Immigrants’ Rights Ad Hoc Committee be established to facilitate bringing nonprofits, agriculture, hospitality, education, labor, local law enforcement, attorney, healthcare and other stakeholders together to help make recommendations, enhance communication, and help deploy resources in defense and in protection of our immigrant communities in Monterey County.
DISCUSSION:
An ad hoc committee may be established with less than a quorum of the Board of Supervisors (two) for a limited term to accomplish a specific task; in this case, to make recommendations, enhance communication, and help deploy resources in protection of immigrant communities in Monterey County. It is anticipated that such recommended action would then be presented to the full Board of Supervisors.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the County Administrative offices worked together in the preparation of this referral response.
FINANCING:
It is anticipated that staff time will be required from both County Counsel and the County Administrative Office and, potentially, other County departments.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Susan K. Blitch, County Counsel x5045
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer x5115