San Diego County Board Supervisor Paloma Aguirre (District 1) Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer (District 3) condemn the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. While the Secretary utilized the visit to highlight federal drug and border enforcement metrics, the Supervisors emphasized that true public safety requires a commitment to community trust and the protection of civil rights.

“Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit today is a performance of 'security' that ignores the reality of the people who actually live here,” said Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “Real security isn’t built with walls and enforcement surges that target our neighbors at courthouses and schools. It is built on trust and the protection of every resident. If Secretary Noem wants to promote a politics of fear, she can take it back to South Dakota. South County is our home. We believe in security built on trust, dignity, and the protection of every resident.”

The Supervisors noted that while the federal government frames its actions as an update on “historic border security,” local leaders are concerned with the 1,500% surge in immigration arrests and the use of federal agents to conduct arrests at local courthouses.

“Secretary Noem’s visit today does not erase what has happened under her watch,” said Chair Terra Lawson-Remer. “When federal agents kill U.S. citizens and the Secretary responds with deflection instead of accountability, that is disqualifying. I renew my call for her resignation. If she will not step down, Congress should pursue removal. The rule of law must apply to everyone — including the Secretary of Homeland Security.” 

Supervisors Aguirre and Lawson-Remer vowed to continue utilizing all available local authorities—including the implementation of the CLEAR Ordinance and the use of County reserves to bridge federal funding cuts—to protect the rights and safety of all San Diegans.