Immigrants and Refugees: County of Monterey’s Welcoming Resolution and Know Your Rights Resources

The information below was first published on January 16, 2025.

Everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has rights. Know Your Rights informational videos in English, Spanish, Triqui, and Mixteco are available at https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/administrative-office/intergovernmental-and-legislative-affairs/know-your-rights. Also available are bilingual (English-Spanish) informational pocket-sized “red cards” summarizing constitutional rights. https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=137315

For more information from the County of Monterey, go to: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/administrative-office/intergovernmental-and-legislative-affairs/know-your-rights.

Know Your Rights_Red Card 7 x 25_Vital Bilingual Download

On January 14, 2025 the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors updated its Welcoming Resolution originally adopted in 2017. History and details, including Completed Board Order:
https://monterey.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7089432&GUID=22CF39C1-F6D6-4E43-9943-442018CD700D

“It is important to make clear that we are one community in Monterey County and that all of our residents, regardless of immigration status, contribute to the social and economic fabric of this county.” — from County of Monterey’s Welcoming Resolution
https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/the-second-trump-administration-is-beginning-the-fear-is-already-here/article_955f39ba-d389-11ef-ac5e-4f81a166f0a1.html

“The revised resolution’s language aligns with state law, ensuring that no county resources can be used to enforce immigration laws unless mandated by state law, federal law, or a court order.”

…

“This is not about protecting people who may have created or caused heinous acts. This isn’t that. We’re truly focused on the community that comes here to work hard and to be part of the society that we all value here in the Salinas Valley.”—Supervisor Chris Lopez.

https://www.ksbw.com/article/county-monterey-california-immigrant-protection/63425240

“It is vital to remember that our role in law enforcement is not to enforce federal immigration laws. It is to protect all residents of Monterey County. We are committed to building trust with every individual of our community regardless of their immigration status.”—County of Monterey Sheriff https://www.montereyherald.com/2025/01/15/county-board-of-supervisors-reaffirms-commitment-to-immigrants/

National Immigration Legal Services Directory

The following directory includes resources such as California Rural Legal Assistance, Catholic Charities, UFW Foundation, and many others: https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/search?zip=93950&x=14&y=14

The county’s “Know Your Rights” web page also includes info about community workshops (e.g., in Salinas on February 12, 2025, in Pajaro on March 6, 2025 and more). https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/Home/Components/Calenda\).

As reported by Celia Jiménez on January 21, 2025 in Monterey County Now (https://www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/opinion_blog/immigrants-make-america-great-despite-what-the-new-administration-says/article_ee897c74-d859-11ef-8a74-37aa079cbcfb.html), \ events scheduled include (but may not be limited to) January 23, in Salinas; January 29, Soledad; and January 30, Greenfield, which will offer Triqui and Mixteco interpretation. Refer to Celia Jiménez’s MCN article for event details and other information.