In Marin County, Sheriff Jamie Scardina rolled out a policy to limit reporting to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Now, the sheriff’s office only notifies ICE about detainees convicted of, or ordered to stand trial for, crimes labeled serious or violent under California’s SB 54.
The debate unfolded at Marin’s annual Truth Act forum. Residents from San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, and other towns packed the room, urging the sheriff to reconsider working with ICE.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
This post takes a closer look at what happened, who weighed in, and what all this could mean for public safety and immigrant families in Marin County.
Policy Update and Community Response
The Truth Act forum made it clear there’s a divide in Marin between law enforcement and immigrant-rights advocates. County officials emphasized that the new policy restricts ICE reporting to cases considered serious or violent under SB 54.
Critics argued that any cooperation with ICE—beyond what the law requires—could damage trust in local police and put vulnerable families at risk. That fear isn’t just theoretical for many in places like Larkspur or Fairfax.
Sheriff Scardina explained that the office routinely shares fingerprints collected at booking with federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS. ICE uses those prints to send detainer requests, known as I-247s, to get inmate release dates.
He shared some numbers: In 2025, the office received 141 ICE forms and responded to 23. In 2024, they got 104 and replied to 14. The jump in forms, he said, reflects more bookings in 2025, especially in cities like San Anselmo, Corte Madera, and Tiburon.
At the forum, the crowd was vocal and divided. Organizers from the No ICE in Marin Coalition and other immigrant-rights groups demanded the county stop honoring ICE requests without a judicial warrant and pull out of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP).
They warned that even limited cooperation can scare immigrant families, whether they live by the waterfront in Sausalito or up in the hills of Mill Valley.
County officials backing the policy claimed that working with ICE protects victims and helps stretch public resources in places like the Canal District and Marin City. They pointed out that detainers mostly come from real-time fingerprint checks against DHS databases.
SCAAP reimbursements, they added, often arrive late—sometimes two or three years after the fact. That delay complicates funding decisions for towns like Corte Madera and Fairfax.
Board President Eric Lucan called the forum a real civic conversation, even with the heated moments. He noted that residents from all over Marin wanted stricter limits on immigration enforcement.
The mood in the room echoed concerns from San Rafael and Greenbrae to Ross and San Anselmo about how to balance public safety with the rights of immigrants.
What the Numbers Reveal
- 2025 ICE forms received: 141, with 23 responses from Marin County officials.
- 2024 ICE forms received: 104, with 14 responses.
- Bookings: Marin County had about 800 more bookings in 2025 than in 2024, affecting places like Novato, Mill Valley, and Larkspur.
- Detainers: ICE detainers usually follow real-time fingerprint checks against DHS databases. Supporters link this to protecting victims and preserving resources.
Varying Perspectives Across Marin Towns
Supporters of the policy argued that getting information about offenders through ICE detainers is crucial for protecting victims of serious crimes. They mentioned cases like rape, domestic violence, firearm offenses, and felony DUIs in towns from Sausalito to Point Reyes Station.
Opponents countered that any level of cooperation risks eroding trust in local authorities. In tight-knit neighborhoods like San Anselmo or the busy streets of Novato, that lost trust could make immigrant communities less likely to work with law enforcement.
What This Means for Marin Communities
Marin County’s policy choices could shape how residents in Tamalpais Valley, the Canal District of San Rafael, and the hillside neighborhoods of Fairfax perceive safety and justice. The debate plays out in every council chamber from Tiburon to Corte Madera.
Sheriffs, city managers, and community leaders weigh the financial and legal realities of SCAAP funding against the need to protect vulnerable residents. The Truth Act forum showed a town-by-town divide, but there’s also a shared desire for transparent, accountable policy.
People want public safety that honors civil rights across Marin’s urban cores and rural creeks. That’s not easy, but it’s what most folks seem to want.
If you live in Marin County—maybe you’re stepping off the ferry in Sausalito, grabbing coffee in downtown Mill Valley, or strolling along the San Rafael waterfront—the conversation isn’t over. Agencies are planning next steps, and residents should really stay engaged in local forums.
Reach out to your supervisors in San Rafael and Novato. Keep an eye on how SB 54-based policies actually play out in Marin’s diverse communities.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin ICE policy debated at Truth Act forum
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
