San Rafael, CA – Because of public health concerns, the County of Marin has indefinitely postponed a community forum scheduled for March 31 about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration agents.
On March 9, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended the cancellation or postponement of nonessential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people to prevent the spread of COVID-19, commonly called the novel coronavirus. The recommendation is in place for two weeks and will be re-evaluated as new information becomes available.
By California law the TRUTH Act requires local governing bodies, in which local law enforcement has provided any ICE access to an individual, to hold a community forum to receive and consider public comment. Marin’s forum had been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, in the Board of Supervisors chamber of the Marin County Civic Center.
Although required public notices had been published in local newspapers, the County is adhering to the Public Health Officer’s recommendation regarding indoor gatherings of 100 or more people. The County can reschedule the forum for anytime in 2020.
The TRUTH Act’s longer name is the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act. Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2792 into law on September 28, 2016. It pertains to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency and its access to individuals who have come in contact with law enforcement.
When a date for the 2020 forum is determined, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office will share data it maintains regarding the number and demographic characteristics of individuals to whom the agency has provided any ICE access.