Alameda County DA says her staff 'will not assist federal agents'

Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced her office will not assist federal agents during a planned Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operation in the Bay Area. Protests erupted in response to community concerns about increased immigration enforcement, prompting local officials to clarify their stance on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Jones Dickson emphasized that her office does not coordinate with ICE and operates under the California Values Act, which prohibits collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. She expressed concern over recent ICE arrests in local courthouses, urging peaceful protests against federal presence. On September 15, ICE agents arrested a man at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse, drawing criticism for potentially discouraging people from attending court.

Amid uncertainty regarding federal intentions in Oakland, Jones Dickson is holding discussions with law enforcement to better understand the situation. Her statements underscore a commitment to protecting community members' rights while navigating the complexities of federal law enforcement. The DA's approach reflects ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration policies.