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San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor said Jan. 25 that his department will not help the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with its plans to escalate the enforcement of immigration laws. Taylor spoke at a press conference held by the Latino Coalition of San Benito County (LCSBC).
“You do not have to fear us. We are not going to enforce immigration violations. That’s not our job. Same as I’m not going to enforce any other federal violation that comes through here,” Taylor said.
LCSBC organized the immigration information session in response to recent federal immigration policy changes announced in an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. More than 60 people attended the gathering.
According to a 2023 American Community Survey estimate, San Benito County is home to more than 6,000 undocumented immigrants.
Taylor affirmed his commitment to keeping the county safe from criminals, regardless of their citizenship status.
“People that are breaking the law and victimizing our community, we can all agree they need to be dealt with whether you’re a citizen or not,” he said. “If you break the rules you are going to be held accountable. I promise you that my primary function is to keep you all safe.”
Taylor said he is walking a fine line since the president’s executive order.
“I am put in a position to violate one of two laws: federal or state,” he said. “I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do with that. Because the rhetoric of the administration is that any elected official that gets in the way of immigration [enforcement] is going to be charged with a federal crime.”
Taylor said local leaders who promise to protect their constituents from the federal government aren’t being honest because that would involve “a real threat” to elected officials as well as funding for schools and federal programs.
“If you want to draw a spotlight to yourself and put your middle finger up at the administration and challenge them to come here, I promise you they’re coming here,” he said.
Hollister Police Chief Carlos Reynoso echoed Taylor’s promise to keep the community safe. He also highlighted the difference in roles between immigration officials and local law enforcement.
“Unless you’ve committed other crimes or have warrants for your arrest there is no reason for the police department to even ask for your legal status,” Reynoso said.
Reynoso also cited California’s Senate Bill 54, which limits the amount of immigration-related operations that state and local law enforcement officials are allowed to conduct.
Resources for undocumented residents
Other speakers at the press conference discussed resources for immigrants and families with a variety of legal statuses. LCSBC President Mickie Solorio Luna announced a toll-free hotline providing information and access to resources. The number will put callers in contact with one of three LCSBC members.
“When I get that call, and I know what agency that call belongs to, you’re going to hear from me,” Solorio Luna said.
Hollister Mayor Roxanne Stephens also spoke about the network of support for immigrants and their families within San Benito County.
“You do not need to live in fear,” she said. “You have people to turn to, and I am one of them. I vow to be here in any way that I can because our children, especially, and our hardworking families, should not be living in fear.”
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