Blackwood Defends ICE Jail Transfers as Challenger Raises Concerns

Sheriff Charles Blackwood says transfers were administrative, not favors to immigration agents, as David LaBarre criticizes the moves ahead of primary.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood is defending his office's handling of jail transfers involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing the moves were administrative decisions to protect deputies and maintain jail operations. Challenger David LaBarre, however, says the transfers sent the wrong message to immigrant communities and undercut trust in law enforcement.

Why it matters

The debate over the jail transfers has become a key issue in the sheriff's race, with Blackwood and LaBarre trading blows as in-person early voting rolls on ahead of the March 3 primary. The case has also reignited broader concerns about the impact of state laws like House Bill 318, which expanded rules around how sheriffs must handle ICE detainers.

The details

Blackwood says his office logged 17 ICE detainer requests before House Bill 318 took effect, with federal authorities ultimately picking up 5 people. He argues deputies tried to keep a volatile situation from erupting in a largely Latino community when they arrested Jorge Lopez-Duran, who they say attacked and bit three deputies. After the arrest, Lopez-Duran was transferred to the Alamance County jail, a move critics say makes contact with ICE more likely. LaBarre has countered that the transfer cut against Orange County's values and signaled the wrong message to immigrant communities.

  • On March 27, 2025, deputies arrested Jorge Lopez-Duran.
  • In-person early voting for the March 3, 2026 primary runs from February 12 to 28.

The players

Charles Blackwood

The Orange County Sheriff who is defending his office's handling of jail transfers involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

David LaBarre

The challenger in the Orange County Sheriff's race who is criticizing the jail transfers as undermining trust in law enforcement among immigrant communities.

Jorge Lopez-Duran

A man who was arrested by Orange County deputies on March 27, 2025 and later transferred to the Alamance County jail, a move that has drawn criticism.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.