San Diego’s Top Immigration Developments

April 15, 2025

In the first 100 days of the Trump administration, immigration enforcement has intensified nationally through restricted asylum access, student visa revocations, mass deportations, and increased border security, resulting in an 88% decrease in border crossings in San Diego since October. San Diego County is currently operating under "super sanctuary" status, limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, though this policy faces challenges from the Trump administration and local political divisions. A critical July 1 runoff election between Republican John McCann and Democrat Paloma Aguirre for a vacant supervisor seat will determine the partisan balance of the county board, potentially reshaping local immigration policies.

Who is affected

Immigrants and asylum seekers in San Diego County
Detained immigrants facing deportation without legal representation
Employees of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings who were arrested in an ICE raid
Families of detained immigrants, including U.S. citizen children
Hundreds of thousands of immigrants living legally under the CHNV parole program
International students at UC San Diego and San Diego State University whose F-1 visas were revoked
San Diego County residents and immigrant communities experiencing fear and uncertainty

What action is being taken

San Diego County is maintaining its "super sanctuary" status, limiting county agencies from assisting federal immigration authorities
ICE agents are conducting workplace raids, including at San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings in El Cajon
El Cajon residents and immigration advocates are protesting and filing public records requests about city cooperation with federal officials
The Department of Homeland Security is revoking humanitarian parole for immigrants under the CHNV program
The Trump administration is revoking student visas for international students at local universities
Border Patrol is maintaining heightened surveillance and defense at the border

Why it matters

Border crossings in San Diego have decreased by approximately 88% since October
The county is politically divided with a 2-2 split between Democratic and Republican board members
The upcoming special election will determine the partisan balance of power on the county board, affecting immigration policies
Expanded "expedited removal protocol" is removing immigrants without hearings or due process
Families of detained immigrants face financial hardship when breadwinners are deported
The revocation of the CHNV program affects migrants who fled authoritarian regimes, economic collapse, and political violence
Student visa revocations disrupt the education and lives of international students

What's next

The July 1 supervisor election between Republican John McCann and Democrat Paloma Aguirre will determine the partisan balance on the county board, with a McCann victory likely aligning the county with Trump's enforcement agenda and an Aguirre win potentially reinforcing sanctuary policies. Either outcome will significantly impact the region's identity as a border community and the lives of thousands of immigrants.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint