ICE activity prompts concerns outside Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas

MILPITAS, Calif. (KGO) -- Community members gathered outside the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas on Monday night, voicing concerns about what they say is an increase in federal immigration enforcement activity at the jail.

Some attendees wore masks, saying they feared being identified while helping people released from custody.

"We are protecting our identities because unfortunately even folks who like I said are documented can be targets of ICE," one volunteer said.

Advocates said they have been monitoring the facility for several days after learning that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were conducting operations near release points.

"We've been here for about four or five nights now ever since we found out that ICE was conducting raids as people were being released," another volunteer said.

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Santa Clara County Executive James Williams confirmed an increase in ICE activity at the county's two jails.

"In the last week or so, we've seen a significant increase," Williams said.

Williams said county officials were not notified ahead of time.

"Were you guys made aware that there was going to be an increase in ICE activity? No, no, not at all," he said.

While the county cannot prevent federal immigration enforcement actions, Williams emphasized that county resources are not being used to assist ICE.

"We are firm in our noncooperation policies," Williams said.

MORE: As ICE detentions ramp up, SF educators are now accompanying families to immigration hearings

The county has also implemented new access restrictions around the facility. Orange barriers now block entry points unless visitors have a reason to enter.

"There have been some concerning interactions," Williams said.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office has restricted access to certain parking lots and buildings, a move Williams said is intended to improve safety.

"That's really for everyone's safety and security," he said.

Advocates argue the changes have also limited access for volunteers and family members.

"They're basically stopping ICE from getting in, but they're also stopping volunteers from getting in and family members, which actually puts folks at risk," one woman, who asked not to be identified, said.

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She said volunteers are trying to help people leave the facility safely before encountering federal agents.

"We're making sure people get home safe. We are offering rides," she said.

The volunteer also alleged that confrontations occurred over the weekend.

"Saturday evening, as we were getting some folks into the cars to help them find their way home, ICE agents actually rushed everyone, pushed people out of the way, and several of my friends were on the ground, beat up," she said.

Despite concerns and fears surrounding the increased enforcement activity, advocates said they plan to continue gathering outside the facility.

"Our goal is to make sure people don't get separated from their families," one volunteer said.