Gilroy community voices fear and resilience over planned ICE facility

In the first community meeting since plans for an ICE facility outside Gilroy were revealed, residents expressed deep fear about the impact of immigration enforcement on their tight-knit town, which has strong Latino and immigrant roots. Local officials acknowledged their limited power to oppose the federal government but pledged to fight back and support the immigrant community.

'This community finds faith and hope by sticking together and sticking with each other,' said Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo at the Wednesday meeting. 'We will get through this.' Earlier this month, reports disclosed plans for an ICE facility on Santa Clara County land just outside Gilroy, prompting swift condemnation from local leaders.

County officials vowed to legally challenge the facility, citing zoning laws that prohibit detention centers or any facility that holds or imprisons people on county land. Reporting confirmed that work had already begun.

Bozzo, a longtime contractor, noted that available plans suggested a smaller facility rather than a large-scale detention center, estimating construction would take a year or more. The threat has caused widespread anxiety.

Dozens gathered Wednesday evening at a local church for a forum, speaking in Spanish and English. Many cited images of violent immigration enforcement arrests and feared similar scenes in their community.

Some worried about deportation and family separation, even considering leaving the area or country. Others feared detention and psychological trauma.

'We can’t go out like we used to. There’s this immense anxiety for those of our community and our race,' said Luisa in Spanish, citing profiling and detention regardless of status.

'There aren’t words for this feeling. This town is our home.

We love this town, but this is taking our freedom.' The facility site is located among fields where many residents work, raising fears they could not safely support their families. Bozzo assured the city would do everything legally possible to fight the facility but noted limited power since the site is outside city borders.

He urged the community to rely on the city and gather in safe spaces like churches. The city has a long-standing policy of non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

'The fear and intimidation is part of the plan. If we are isolated, they win,' Bozzo said.

Other leaders emphasized that residents could take action. Jorge Mendoza, founder of the Gilroy community organization Nueva Vida, organized the forum to provide accurate information and allow residents to voice concerns to the mayor.

'A lot of the time, the solutions to the problems that we face come from within the community,' he said in Spanish, noting that even undocumented individuals could pressure elected officials, pastors, and business leaders. 'We can take action, regardless of our legal status.' Mendoza has organized mobile health clinics for those afraid to visit doctors, and others distributed know-your-rights documents.

Bozzo said the meeting is the first of several citywide forums. On Monday, the City Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution condemning the proposed facility.