Marin County Squares Up On Trump; Joins Lawsuit

The County of Marin has joined a growing coalition of local governments suing the Trump Administration over efforts to punish jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The lawsuit, originally filed by San Francisco and Santa Clara counties and now joined by 48 other jurisdictions across the country, challenges recent executive actions that threaten to withhold or condition federal funding unless local governments enforce federal civil immigration laws. Marin County joins this case to safeguard its legal autonomy and secure essential funding for local services.

“This is about protecting the values and priorities of Marin County residents,” said County Counsel Brian Washington. “The federal government cannot coerce local jurisdictions into doing its job through illegal threats to critical funding. We’re standing up for our constitutional rights — and for our community.”

The case, City and County of San Francisco, et al., v. Donald J. Trump, et al., challenges federal actions that attempt to force local agencies to act as immigration enforcers. Such attempts, the plaintiffs argue, violate the Constitution’s 10th Amendment, the Spending Clause, the separation of powers, and the 5th Amendment’s due process protections.

Marin County’s sanctuary status is defined by its adherence to state law, particularly the California Values Act (SB 54), which limits the use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement.

“Joining this lawsuit helps protect the County’s critical federal funding,” said Board of Supervisors President Mary Sackett. “We’re proud to stand in solidarity with local governments across the country defending our rights to govern locally and uphold public safety without fear or intimidation.”

The lawsuit is supported by Public Rights Project, a nonprofit that partners with local governments to advance civil rights and legal equity. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Learn more about the case on the Public Rights Project webpage.