The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed their commitment to adhering by the TRUTH Act, a state law that protects immigrant communities from harsh enforcement practices and the California Values Act, which prevents local and state law enforcement from using their resources for federal immigration enforcement.

Undersherrif Keith Boyd and Corrections Bureau Chief Deputy Timothy Lanquist gave a presentation to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, detailing how many people were released to Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2024.

According to the report, 11 people were released to federal officials, with charges including robbery, assault and drug offenses.

“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping the peace and earning the public’s trust,” Lanquist said. “We will continue to fulfill the legislative intent of the TRUTH and Values Act, adhering to California law and allowing limited communication between the Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

The individuals were “believed to be” convicted of crimes and served sentences before being released into federal custody. According to the report, a vast majority of the 11 people had their sentences adjudicated and were later transferred.

“Very rarely do we release somebody to ICE that has only gone to court,” Lanquist said. “So we have them serve their sentence, and then we release them to ICE.”

Supervisors had questions about the exact process on how and when individuals were released to ICE.

There were also public comments in agreement, also requests that the Sheriff’s Office not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement at all. Residents explained that people were afraid following the president’s executive orders.

Some requested more information on how detailed the Sheriff’s Office communication was with federal officials.

The undersheriff said the Sheriff’s Office stick to adhering by the law and does not provide additional information.

“We adhere to the TRUTH Act, and the act notes specifically what we can and cannot communicate,” Boyd said. “If ICE calls and it’s related to a TRUTH Act specific thing, then we’re required by California Law to adhere. But if it doesn’t fit in the specificity of the law then we don’t provide any information.”

Most of the board supervisors shared the sentiment that they were satisfied with how the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has been handling immigration cases.

Supervisor Luis Alejo said he would like to see demographic data about the individuals released from ICE in the future, but agreed with the Sheriff’s Office process.

“I think when we’re trying to protect those who committed lesser crimes but face the harshest consequences, for me that’s a delicate balance,” Alejo said. “To draw a line that says if you commit lesser offenses, there won’t be harsh consequences, but there’s an exception for the most heinous crimes and I think that’s necessary.”