Monterey County and City of Salinas leaders to respond to DOJ

Monterey County and the City of Salinas are responding to the Department of Justice’s threats to pull federal funding for violating federal law.

The DOJ sent a letter to nearly 30 jurisdictions a few weeks ago that made that threat if they do not cooperate with ICE.

The county attorney then met with supervisors, the sheriff’s office and Salinas city leaders to discuss the letter and they all agreed they have not broken the law.

“The letter will simply say that we are in compliance with all federal laws,” said Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo.

“If you detain somebody beyond the time period set by law then you run the risk of a constitutional violation of holding somebody longer than there allowed to be held under the fourth amendment of the constitution, the local government can’t be required to hold someone unless they have shown a criminal violation that we have to hold them for and show us evidence of,” said Monterey County Counsel Charles McKee.

The City of Watsonville also received a letter and planned to respond appropriately.