By Terra Lawson-Remer in San Diego
Across the country, immigration enforcement actions — including a deadly incident in Minnesota — have left families shaken and communities asking basic questions: Who is accountable? Who is watching? Who is making sure the law is followed?
Here in San Diego County, we attempted to conduct the first public health inspection of the Otay Mesa immigration detention facility under our clear authority in state law. We provided notice. We were cleared to enter. Then, at the last minute, access was denied.
We will take every legal step available to ensure the health and safety of the Otay Mesa facility, but accountability cannot depend on one inspection — or one elected official.
It depends on whether a community is prepared.
When trained community members lawfully document public enforcement activity:
–Facts are preserved.
–Civil rights violations can be challenged in court.
–Journalists have verified information.
–Agencies know they are being watched.
That changes behavior.
You do not have to be a Public Health Officer to help uphold the rule of law.
You do not have to hold office to stand for due process. You can show up. You can witness. You can document — calmly, lawfully, responsibly.
That’s why we are hosting a Legal Observation Training led by attorneys from Singleton Schreiber LLC.
You’ll learn:
–What the First Amendment protects
–The difference between lawful observation and interference
–What rights individuals have during federal enforcement encounters
–How to prioritize safety while protecting civil liberties
This is how we scale oversight. This is how we defend accountability — together.
What: Legal Observation Training (In-Person)
Where: SDEA Office – 10393 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego
When: Tuesday, March 3rd at 6 p.m.
San Diego County will continue pursuing accountability through every lawful channel available to us. And together, we will make sure that transparency does not depend on permission.
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Terra Lawson-Remer chairs the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.