ICE Arrests at Milpitas' Elmwood Jail Spark Outrage

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Residents in Milpitas are voicing outrage after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have detained at least 46 people outside the Elmwood Correctional Facility since June 2025, despite Santa Clara County's sanctuary and 'ICE-free' policies. Advocates accuse the county of undermining its own policies, while sheriff's officials say they do not coordinate with ICE and cannot bar agents from using public release lists.

Why it matters

The arrests at Elmwood Jail highlight the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local sanctuary policies, which aim to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness and enforcement of sanctuary laws, as well as the role of local law enforcement in cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

The details

According to reports, ICE agents have been making arrests outside the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, a county-run jail, despite Santa Clara County's sanctuary policies that are meant to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The arrests have prompted a protest of about 80 people this week, with advocates accusing the county of undermining its own 'ICE-free' policies. However, sheriff's officials say they do not coordinate with ICE and cannot legally bar agents from using public release lists to make arrests on public property.

• Since June 2025, ICE has detained at least 46 people outside the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas.

What they’re saying