Contra Costa Supervisors Hit Pause On Controversial Immigration Cooperation Proposal

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday to vote on a future date on a resolution that would restrict the county from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

The proposal would require the county to restrict federal immigration authorities from accessing county-owned buildings, engaging with county employees, and accessing data, like court records and voter information.

It would also require the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office to submit monthly reports describing any interactions with immigration authorities.

“Whatever action we do needs to show support, protection and security for our workforce, who are on the front line in providing access to the services in the community,” said Supervisor Ken Carlson, who placed the item on Tuesday’s agenda.

About 26.6% of residents of Contra Costa County are foreign-born, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau numbers.

The county Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice developed the proposal in August 2025 in response to increased federal immigration enforcement across the country.

Joanna Gudino, a local policy coordinator for the community organization Healthy Contra Costa, urged the board during public comment to adopt the resolution instead of stalling on the decision.

“Unless you’ve personally experienced the fear of being targeted because of who you are or where you come from, it can be difficult to understand why these protections matter so much,” said Gudino.

Supervisor Candace Andersen said that the county’s following of California Senate Bill 54, which limits cooperation with federal immigration, already protects the immigrant community and said she fears that multiple policies can complicate federal funding from the administration of President Donald Trump.

“I’m trying to avoid us adopting a very sweeping policy that puts a target on us by the federal administration and takes away funding from the very people we’re trying to help,” said Andersen.

Supervisor Shanelle Preston-Scales said the resolution is intended to reassure residents and county employees about the restricted operations immigration authorities will have in the county.

“California already has a target on its back, and our grants already have been taken away,” said Preston-Scales. “We’re not here as elected leaders to be in fear.”

Last year another piece of legislation, Senate Bill 580, was signed into law requiring the state attorney general to publish model policies for state and local agencies to adopt. The law takes effect in January 2027.

After four hours of public comments and deliberation, the supervisors decided to vote on the ordinance on a future date, citing more time to review if the proposed draft follows the state guidelines under SB 580.

In a 4-1 vote, with Carlson voting no, the ordinance will be reviewed by county counsel before the board votes on it at a later date.