San Diego County has decided to cease allowing federal immigration agencies to train at local firing ranges. The decision comes as a response to concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to immigration. On Tuesday, the county supervisors voted 3-2 to end contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These agencies previously trained at a county-owned facility near the Mexican border and a Navy facility leased by the county.
Monica Montgomery Steppe, one of the supervisors in favor of ending the contracts, expressed concern over the impact of federal immigration agents on local communities. She emphasized the decision as a step to avoid complicity in actions perceived as harmful.
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez announced that ICE no longer has access to county facilities. Her decision followed community feedback and concerns regarding ICE actions during altercations in other regions. However, Martinez plans to allow CBP continued access, arguing it is crucial for border crime prevention and facilitating trade and travel. This decision has set a potential conflict with county supervisors.
The vote follows public appeals from county residents, advocating against support for what they called a mass deportation agenda. Residents sought this action to counteract the administration’s policies, which they believe have caused family separations and conflicts in various communities.
“Too many people on both sides of the border would be harmed by a decision to end CBP’s use of the facility,” said Martinez. “As Sheriff, I have a duty to protect and serve everyone who lives in or enters San Diego County.”
Jim Desmond, a supervisor opposed to ending the contracts, argued that law enforcement collaboration is essential. He suggested enhanced training as a remedy to the perceived overreach by ICE.
Rodney Scott, head of CBP, expressed concern over how the decision might compromise border security. He noted the agency’s dependency on the county’s firing range to train 1,700 officers. Without access, mandatory training would shift elsewhere, impacting local operations and border activities.
According to a proposal letter from the supervisors, federal agents have logged over 3,300 training hours locally since 2024. ICE has been training at a Navy-owned range at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar since 2022 under a separate agreement.
County officials emphasized maintaining immigrant community trust by clearly separating local policing from federal immigration enforcement. Concerns have arisen over identifying federal agents due to them wearing masks and plain clothes, further fueling the need for distinction.
“Our community is a home, not a target,” said Terra Lawson-Remer, one of the supervisors proposing contract termination. She highlighted the administration’s duty to use federal resources if pursuing its immigration policy.