Consuelo Martinez’s response

COMMUNITY UPDATE:

Last week, I learned that the City of Escondido has a contract allowing the Department of Homeland Security/ICE to use the Escondido Police Department firing range. While I knew the range existed, I was not aware of this agreement.

This contract has been in place since at least 2014 and did not come before the City Council, as certain contracts under a financial threshold can be approved at the department level.

Since learning this, I’ve raised my concerns with the Chief of Police and City Manager. I still have limited details about the current contract.

The Mayor has scheduled a public discussion for the February 25, 2026 Escondido City Council meeting, regarding use of the firing range and related contracts. I welcome this conversation.

I understand the community’s outrage. I share the concern—and I want to be clear: I want ICE and Border Patrol out of Escondido. Our City assets should not enable agencies that operate without transparency or accountability and cause harm in our communities.

I will continue pushing for transparency, oversight, and accountability. Our community deserves nothing less.

Consuelo Martinez
Councilmember