Santa Clara County has implemented new entry restrictions at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas following violent incidents involving federal immigration agents outside the facility, as San José Spotlight reported.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has cordoned off the Elmwood parking lot, limiting access strictly to individuals with scheduled visits, attorneys visiting clients, service providers, and cleaning services. Anyone entering the lot must present an identification card and state the reason for their visit. Sheriff officials confirmed that the policy took effect on Friday and will remain in place indefinitely.
The policy change followed reporting by the news outlet regarding federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents waiting inside the jail lobby and parking area to detain individuals upon release. Sheriff Bob Jonsen stated that the changes aim to improve safety, minimize disruptions, and maintain a secure environment for facility staff, visitors, service providers, and individuals leaving custody.
Prior to this change, sheriff officials indicated they could not interfere with law enforcement operations, despite an existing county policy that prohibits federal immigration authorities from using county property for staging, surveillance, and arrests. That policy includes directives to raise physical barriers and lock gates to prevent unauthorized use of county land.
Huy Tran, executive director of the nonprofit Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network, told San José Spotlight that while the organization appreciates the sheriff's attempt to be responsive, current observations suggest the measure is not enough to stop detentions. He called on the county to step up enforcement of its existing rules against federal staging on county land. Tran noted that federal agents remain present around the facility and that people arriving to pick up released individuals are also prohibited from using the parking lot.
Federal agent activity has increased across the region following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a California deployment at the beginning of October ahead of the elections. According to observers from the Rapid Response Network, a coalition of 10 organizations including SIREN that documents immigration enforcement and provides legal support, approximately 10 to 12 federal agents were present at county jails each day last week. Observers reported seeing agents standing inside lobbies, staging in parking areas, and driving near county offices.
Network observers reported several confrontations near the jail. On Oct. 28, an agent used a Taser on a man during a foot pursuit after agents stopped cars leaving the jail, sending the man to the hospital. Two nights later, another volunteer required hospital treatment following an injury caused by force used by federal agents. One anonymous observer told San José Spotlight that an increased presence of community volunteers has helped individuals leaving the jail reach home safely and brought attention to the situation, prompting county leadership to adjust facility policies.
Beyond the Milpitas jail, federal activity has expanded across Santa Clara County. Tran stated that the Rapid Response Network identified 20 new federal vehicles originating from nine different states in recent weeks, supporting targeted local operations. In response, community advocates organized protests, including a Saturday demonstration outside a Morgan Hill motel where federal agents were reportedly staying. Tran told the outlet that agents departed before protesters arrived, but advocates proceeded with the demonstration to send a message to local lodging businesses.
Santa Clara County Executive James Williams told San José Spotlight that the county is actively monitoring the situation and will enforce policies that restrict county land from being used for unauthorized purposes to maintain public safety.
