San Luis Obispo county residents packed the board of supervisors chambers yesterday afternoon in a nearly 8-hour long public forum. The forum was scheduled in response to growing concerns about the role of the county sheriff’s office in complying with immigration and customs enforcement. The forum is required by the transparent review of unjust transfers and holds (or truth) act, which breaks down the number of requests from ICE to the sheriff’s office, and their compliance with those requests. Sheriff Ian Parkinson discussed their role in complying with these requests, including what they can and cannot do under state and federal law. Parkinson said compliance with ICE requests increased substantially in 2025 compared to 2024 due to a shift away from an open border. The board of supervisors asked Parkinson and county staff questions regarding ICE-free zones, and of the protests that took place in the county jail.
“Generally speaking local agencies cannot prohibit ICE agents from accessing areas which are open to the general public,” said Jon Ansolabehere of the county counsel’s office. “The other type of ICE free zones… prohibit ICE from commandeering their property.”
When asked questions about protests in the county jail, sheriff Ian Parkinson said, “our job is to keep the peace… whether they are whomever… I don’t want somebody that’s protesting somebody for anything to put themselves in a position where you’re dangerously close to interfering.”
Almost four hours of the meeting was dedicated to public comment.
A majority were there to speak out against ICE.
“My son’s second grade classmates are afraid they’ll leave school to find an empty home,” said one speaker. “we’re alarmed and refuse to accept this as normal.”
But others voiced support for ICE, such as San Luis Obispo county republican party chair Randall Jordan.
“I am so disappointed in this county, the stance these folks have taken,” Jordan said. “It’s unconstitutional to cross our borders without being legal and without having permission.”
While the meeting rooms, overflow rooms, and lobby were packed, a protest was also being held outside against ICE.
When the board discussed their next steps, they unanimously voted to direct staff to explore options for future actions, and provide a report within 60 days.
