HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 01 2026 - Item 7.9 - Teresa Stuefloten1
Stefan Mercer
From:Teresa Stuefloten <teresastuefloten@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 30, 2026 4:43 PM
To:All Council Members
Subject:EXTERNAL - Item 7. Consent Calendar 7.9 Adopt Resolution Opposing the Development
of a Federal Detention Facility in South Santa Clara County.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY
OPPOSING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FEDERAL DETENTION FACILITY IN SOUTH SANTA
CLARA COUNTY DUE TO ITS INCOMPATIBILITY WITH THE REGION’S AGRICULTURAL,
TOURISM, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING GOALS, AND COMMUNITY VALUES
WHEREAS, a project for the construction of a Federal Immigration Detention Facility is underway
outside Gilroy City limits in unincorporated Santa Clara County; and WHEREAS, the Federal
Government has not consulted with the City of Gilroy on the appropriate land use and resource
impacts at the project location; and WHEREAS, a detention facility would occupy a substantial land
area while generating limited long-term economic benefits compared to land uses aligned with South
County’s goals for agriculture, tourism, innovation, and sustainable economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the communities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Santa Clara County have
worked collaboratively to promote a regional vision centered on agricultural preservation, sustainable
economic development, tourism, and strategic industry attraction; and WHEREAS, South Santa Clara
County represents one of the last remaining agricultural corridors within Silicon Valley and plays a
vital role in the region’s agricultural economy, environmental stewardship, and community identity;
and WHEREAS, South County’s agricultural sector supports local employment, wineries, ag- tourism,
food production, hospitality businesses, festivals, equine activities, and related industries that
significantly contribute to the regional economy; and WHEREAS, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and San Martin
have invested substantial public and private resources into developing South County as a welcoming
tourism and hospitality destination recognized for its agricultural heritage, wineries, recreation, and
visitor-serving businesses; and WHEREAS, Gilroy is a diverse community made up in large part of
immigrant families whose contributions have strengthened the region’s agricultural economy, local
businesses, civic life, and cultural identity; and WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy values trust, hard work,
camaraderie, mutual respect, and strong relationships between residents, local institutions, and public
agencies; and WHEREAS, residents and regional stakeholders have expressed concern that the
establishment of a federal detention facility within South County would be incompatible with the
region’s identity and could negatively impact tourism, private investment, regional branding, and
community cohesion; and WHEREAS, many residents believe that the presence of a detention facility
could create fear and distrust within immigrant communities and undermine the shared values that
contribute to South County’s social and economic stability; and WHEREAS, federal land-use
decisions should remain consistent with local and regional planning objectives and complement,
rather than undermine, the long-term economic and community vision established by local
jurisdictions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Gilroy City Council formally opposes
the development of any federal immigrant detention facility within South Santa Clara County that
would adversely affect the agricultural, tourism, hospitality, economic development, community
cohesion, and planning objectives of the region; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Gilroy
City Council urges all federal agencies and decision-makers to fully evaluate the long-term economic,
environmental, and social impacts associated with such a project prior to any approval or land-use
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authorization; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Gilroy City Council reaffirms its commitment
to preserving South County’s agricultural heritage, protecting tourism and hospitality investments,
supporting sustainable economic development, and fostering a community built on trust, respect,
opportunity, and inclusion; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall transmit copies
of this Resolution to relevant federal agencies, state representatives, regional planning organizations,
and neighboring jurisdictions.
As a resident homeowner of San Martin, I am opposed to this project and want it terminated.
Sincerely,
Rev. Teresa Stuefloten