In Gilroy, near the heart of Santa Clara County, there is a community at a crossroads, facing the potential establishment of an ICE detention facility. This is not just a local issue; it resonates with everyone in California and beyond. On September 8, 2026, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction halting construction on the proposed Gilroy ICE facility at 7240 Holsclaw Road, ruling that the federal government failed to conduct a proper environmental review.

Communities in Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, and across Santa Clara County are coming together, watching closely and raising their voices. We all recognize that this center, if built, could set a precedent, making it easier for similar facilities to emerge in other counties, possibly even in your own neighborhood. The stakes are high, and the far-reaching implications cannot be understated. What happens in Gilroy could very well serve as a blueprint for future developments across the state.

Our collective voices are our most powerful tool. We must continue to speak out, make noise, and bring attention to the issue. Creativity is resistance: keep reading poetry, creating art, and sharing messages that highlight the strength and unity of our communities. Let's demonstrate that just as much as our communities are watched, we are also watching and responding.

Halting the construction of the Gilroy ICE detention facility is a crucial step in protecting our communities from injustice and maintaining our shared values of compassion and humanity. We urge the powers at be to uphold these values and stop this facility from moving forward.

Please join us in this fight by signing this petition. Your voice matters. Together, we can make a difference.