Overview
- Filed in federal court, the complaint seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions compelling unfettered access for county health officials.
- County leaders say ICE initially cleared a Feb. 20 visit, then limited entry to a kitchen and two medical areas and denied records and confidential interviews.
- DHS responded that San Diego failed to provide the seven days’ notice required by agency procedures, citing safety protocols for visits.
- The suit cites state inspection authority and alleges federal refusal violates the Administrative Procedure Act by lacking a lawful explanation.
- Elected officials, including Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Paloma Aguirre and Sen. Alex Padilla, were denied entry as detainees report cold conditions, poor food and delayed medical care.