Key facts
- California has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block the construction of an ICE holding facility.
- The proposed facility is located in Santa Clara County and is designed to hold up to 150 detainees.
- The state alleges the federal government violated environmental and administrative laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act.
- Concerns include the site's history of hazardous material spills and its agricultural zoning.
- California is seeking a court injunction to halt the project.
California is taking legal action against the Trump administration to prevent the construction of a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facility in Santa Clara County. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, asserts that the federal government has failed to adhere to necessary administrative and environmental review processes.
The state's complaint targets the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the property owner, seeking a judicial order to halt progress on the planned 18,700-square-foot facility near Gilroy. California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration's approach, stating it is attempting to push the facility through without community consent and in secrecy.
The facility, intended to temporarily house up to an estimated 150 detainees before transfer to larger centers, is situated on a 24.5-acre parcel. State and local officials have raised concerns about the site's suitability, citing its history of hazardous material spills and its designation for exclusive agricultural use. The lawsuit contends that construction threatens the local ecosystem and agricultural value of the land.
Plaintiffs allege that the Trump administration violated the National Environmental Policy Act by not conducting an environmental impact assessment and disregarded other laws by failing to solicit community input. California is requesting a court injunction to stop the project and compel compliance with legal requirements.