Concerns Raised Over Immigration Detentions Near Fort Hunter Liggett

Questions mount about potential military police involvement and collaboration with federal immigration authorities.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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At least ten individuals have been detained by immigration officials after being stopped on Jolon Road near Fort Hunter Liggett, a U.S. Army Reserve training facility in California, since December 30th. The incidents have raised concerns from local immigration advocates about the role of military police and potential collaboration with federal immigration authorities, though local law enforcement has denied any involvement.

Why it matters

The location of the detentions near a major military base and the potential involvement of military police have heightened concerns from immigration advocates about the tactics and coordination behind these immigration enforcement actions. There are also questions about whether local law enforcement may be assisting federal immigration authorities, which would be illegal in California.

The details

According to the Monterey County Solidarity Network, a volunteer group assisting immigrants, the detainees reported being followed by a white van for miles on Jolon Road near the entrance to Fort Hunter Liggett before being pulled over for minor traffic violations. Immigration officials then arrived on the scene and detained the individuals, some of whom had their phones confiscated after attempting to record the incidents. An anonymous local immigration attorney working with the advocacy group believes military police may be involved, though local law enforcement has denied any knowledge or participation.

  • The incidents occurred on December 30th and 31st, 2025.
  • Representative Zoe Lofgren, whose district includes Fort Hunter Liggett, has stated she is seeking more details on the situation.

The players

Monterey County Solidarity Network

A volunteer group assisting immigrants facing raids and detentions.

Tina M. Nieto

Monterey County Sheriff, who confirmed the Monterey County Sheriff's Office was not involved in the detentions.

Robert Masterson

King City Police Chief, who stated his department had no involvement near Fort Hunter Liggett.

Zoe Lofgren

U.S. Representative whose district includes Fort Hunter Liggett, and who is seeking more details on the situation.

U.S. Army

Referred inquiries to ICE regarding the detentions near Fort Hunter Liggett.

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What they’re saying

“We suspect that It's. We don't believe it's local police.”

— Anonymous local immigration attorney (Monterey County Solidarity Network)

What’s next

Representative Zoe Lofgren has stated she is seeking more details on the situation and is committed to ensuring federal agents comply with the law.

The takeaway

The incidents near Fort Hunter Liggett have raised serious concerns about potential collaboration between military police and federal immigration authorities, as well as the tactics used to detain individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the need for transparency and accountability from all levels of government.