HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2026-34 | Resolution Opposing a Federal Detention Facility in South Santa Clara County | Adopted 05/18/2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-34
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 brandi ng, and
community cohesion; and
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Resolution No. 2026-34
Resolution Opposing Federal Detention Center
City Council Regular Meeting | June 1, 2026
Page 2 of 3
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 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.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of June 2026 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BRACCO, CLINE, FUGAZZI, HILTON,
MARQUES, RAMIREZ, BOZZO
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
APPROVED:
___________________
Greg Bozzo, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Kim Mancera, City Clerk
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Resolution No. 2026-34
Resolution Opposing Federal Detention Center
City Council Regular Meeting | June 1, 2026
Page 3 of 3
CERTIFICATE OF THE CLERK
I, KIM MANCERA, City Clerk of the City of Gilroy, do hereby certify that the attached
Resolution No. 2026-34 is an original resolution, or true and correct copy of a City Resolution,
duly adopted by the Council of the City of Gilroy at a Regular Meeting of said Council held on
Monday, June 1, 2026, with a quorum present.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of
the City of Gilroy this Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
____________________________________
Kim Mancera
City Clerk of the City of Gilroy
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