MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Board of Supervisors has passed a landmark resolution affirming the County’s commitment to protecting immigrants’ rights and launching a public education campaign focused on empowering residents to “Know Your Rights” under the U.S. Constitution.
At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution to reestablish the County of Monterey as a “Welcoming County for Immigrants and Refugees, and Declaring the County a Place of Trust and Safety for Immigrants.” The Board passed a similar “Welcoming County” resolution in 2017.
“Monterey County is once again a leader when it comes to supporting and defending our immigrant workers and families,” said Supervisor Luis Alejo, co-chair of the Monterey County Immigration Rights Ad Hoc Committee. “The Board of Supervisors unanimously reaffirmed that we are a Welcoming County for immigrants and we are committed to deploying resources that informs immigrants on their rights in light of the planned massive deportations targeting them.”
Supervisors also approved $25,000 to fund public service announcements (PSAs) on radio, television and social media to inform about immigration rights, and have printed 20,000 wallet-sized “Know Your Rights” red cards to distribute throughout the county. The PSAs will primarily target the Spanish-speaking population.
“Immigrants were called ‘essential workers’ when our nation needed them during the pandemic. Now, they are asking for us to be there for them when they need us,” Alejo said.
This initiative came to fruition last year after President-elect Donald Trump’s stated commitment to take drastic and severe actions against immigrants across the nation, including mass detentions and deportations, as part of his election bid.
Monterey County has the highest percentage of immigrants in California, with 28.9% foreign-born, according to the Board.
“This initiative underscores the County’s dedication to ensuring that all community members are informed and protected regardless of immigration status,” stated County officials.
Leaders host press conference
Last Wednesday, the Board held a press conference outside the County Government Center’s Administration Building in Salinas to announce the historic resolution and campaign. The Jan. 15 gathering featured a diverse lineup of speakers representing local government, law enforcement, agriculture, hospitality, education, healthcare, labor and more.
“There’s a lot of fear in our community today, and when I look up here and see leaders from our communities throughout Monterey County, I also see leaders in education,” said Supervisor Chris Lopez, chair of the Board. “It reminds me about the values that we’ve carried here, and I think one of the important things that Supervisor Alejo touched on was yesterday was not a new resolution, it was a reaffirmation. We are carrying forward our values, our belief in one another and a belief in who we are as people in Monterey County, the birthplace of California. It’s important that we hold each other up and that we stand up for each other.”
Lopez emphasized the education component of the campaign, saying it is critical for communities to be aware of their rights.
“We have to take people at their word. When they’re promising they’re going to do something, we have to plan and prepare for the worst,” Lopez said. “So today we’re standing here saying that ahead of any sort of change, we are united in making sure that our community is best prepared to address the fear that is coming towards them, and we know that we’re strong when we’re together, and we are together as a community.”
As the son of an immigrant, Lopez added that important things come from immigration — such as himself as an elected leader of the community and his sister who is a doctor at a local college.
“It is our values as people that lift each other up, knowing that the pathways that exist within this country will continue to call people — like a beacon on a hill — to a place where opportunity exists,” he concluded. “The American dream is not dead, it will continue to call, and we must preserve that light.”
Safety for immigrant students
Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss joined Supervisors Alejo and Lopez, along with other leaders, at last week’s press conference and spoke about the rights and safety of immigrant students and families within the communities.
Guss stated that every child, regardless of immigration status or the citizenship status of their parents or guardians, has the right to a free public education in a secure and supportive school environment.
“Education is a fundamental right for all children,” she said, “and our schools are sanctuaries of learning and growth, where every student deserves to thrive without fear of discrimination or intimidation.”
Guss assured the community that under current federal laws, schools are considered “Protected Areas” and are generally prohibited from voluntarily granting access to campus by immigration enforcement officers, in the absence of a judicial warrant or court order. She added that the privacy of students and their families is safeguarded within schools, and school officials are prohibited from requesting social security numbers and inquiring about the citizenship of students or family members.
Addressing families directly, Guss urged parents to continue sending their children to school daily and emphasized the importance of consistent attendance for their educational success. She reinforced the message that school officials are here to help and are equipped with information and resources, including mental health support for students experiencing anxiety.
“Education is not just a right,” Guss said. “It is the key to unlocking success and building a better future. Monterey County schools are steadfast in their commitment to providing safe and welcoming environments where all students can pursue their college and career dreams.”
Community members can visit the County of Monterey’s Know Your Rights webpage, offering valuable resources and videos for immigrant families in multiple languages.
Monterey County Office of Education contributed to this story.