Hundreds of opponents of a proposed federal immigration detention facility near Gilroy scored a temporary victory in federal court when a judge extended a halt on construction for another week.
Attorneys for Santa Clara County and the federal government faced off in federal court in San Jose over plans to construct the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
Following arguments, the judge ruled to extend the current stay for one week, ensuring that no construction can take place on the 25-acre site near Gilroy in the interim.
Ahead of the hearing, nearly 200 people gathered outside the San Jose federal courthouse to denounce the proposed ICE facility. Protesters, including faith leaders such as Projects for Peace Director Father Jon Pedigo, vowed to fight the project, warning that a detention center in the community would instill widespread fear.
Inside the courtroom, county attorneys argued that the federal government’s proposal violates the National Environmental Policy Act. Specifically, the county raised environmental concerns regarding the property’s septic system — arguing it could not support the new development — along with potential hazardous materials on the 25-acre site.
“Even though we don’t have a ruling… as we showed in court, the federal government did not move through the steps,” said Santa Clara County Counsel Tony LoPresti, who noted that the decision to maintain the stay remains a promising sign for the county’s case.
The judge stated she will issue a final ruling on the requested construction halt Sept. 15.