The new Attorney General's review of federal grant funding for 'sanctuary jurisdictions' has cast uncertainty over San Diego County's funding for law enforcement and public safety initiatives. While County officials maintain their commitment to local communities and safety, the potential loss of grants raises concerns and prompts a reassessment of priorities.
With a new Attorney General at the Department of Justice, there are significant policy and funding shifts underway. One major change impacting San Diego County involves pausing and reviewing federal grant funds distributed to so-called 'sanctuary jurisdictions.
' Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors stated, 'I think it's important to remind everyone that everything they've passed on this issue; every vote we've taken, has reiterated over and over that we will abide by lawful federal laws.' While Lawson-Remer stopped short of labeling the County a sanctuary community, she emphasized that it wouldn't readily assist Immigration Officials. She asserted, 'We're not going to be utilizing our resources at the County whatsoever to support mass deportation. It's not going to happen.'The County, however, has placed itself under scrutiny. In December, the majority of the Board voted to restrict the use of County resources for federal enforcement. Lawson-Remer stated, 'We are standing with our community. We’re here to protect the safety and well-being as everyone who lives in San Diego County.' The Department of Justice, which the Attorney General is a part of, provides grants for law enforcement and public safety initiatives. The San Diego Police Department deferred comments on the Attorney General's directive to city leaders. A spokesperson from Mayor Todd Gloria's office informed ABC 10News that the city is not a sanctuary city. Congressman Darrell Issa expressed support for the federal review. In a statement, Issa said, 'Sanctuary cities undermine the very notion of public safety by shielding criminal illegal immigrants, undermining the rule of law, and letting them walk free to commit new crimes that result in new victims. The fundamental question that needs to be asked is: How can law enforcement protect our people when the rest of government is protecting criminal illegals? President Trump and Attorney General Bondi are asking these questions. And the answers they’re getting from San Diego and California are that illegals come first. I support what this administration is trying to accomplish – and I believe much our community does as well.' Lawson-Remer addressed concerns about the County's potential impact from Washington's actions, stating, 'We're not going to jeopardize the safety that's created through that trust in pursuit of a couple million dollars that frankly we're going to get it anyway. Because this is likely going to get thrown out pretty fast.' ABC 10News also contacted the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office regarding the directive. The Sheriff’s Office stated, 'We are aware of the Attorney General's memorandum regarding a pause on the distribution of funds related to Department of Justice grants for the Department of Justice to review agreements for compliance with federal law. The memorandum directs the Associate Attorney General to report, within thirty (30) days, which grants might be affected. It would not be appropriate for the Sheriff's Office to comment on what may happen until the Attorney General identifies which grants might be affected. If federal grant funding were to affect the Sheriff's Office, we would need to review the changes and potential impacts prior to making a statement. To date, there has been no impact or reduction in the law enforcement services related to federal grant funding.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY FEDERAL GRANTS ATTORNEY GENERAL SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONS LAW ENFORCEMENT PUBLIC SAFETY FUNDING
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