Summary
The Escondido Police Department has rented its city-owned firing range to ICE's Homeland Security Investigations unit since 2013, with the current contract running through October 2026 at $22,500 a year. More than a hundred residents demanded the council cancel it, citing fear in the Latino community and ICE conduct nationwide; the chief warned cancellation could bring federal contract liability and risk over $1 million in annual federal grants. The council took no vote.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Feb 25, 2026.
Impact analysis
The contract brings the city $22,500 a year, but the chief warned canceling could cost far more in federal contract penalties and jeopardize over $1 million in annual federal grants.
Regional law enforcement agencies, including HSI task-force partners fighting fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling, get access to a large training facility.
Many Latino and immigrant residents say the contract deepens fear, keeps families from reporting crime, and signals city alignment with ICE enforcement.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Council Meeting (Closed Session 4:30 PM) — February 25, 2026
The Escondido Police Department has rented its city-owned firing range to ICE's Homeland Security Investigations unit since 2013, with the current contract running through October 2026 at $22,500 a year. More than a hundred residents demanded the council cancel it, citing fear in the Latino community and ICE conduct nationwide; the chief warned cancellation could bring federal contract liability and risk over $1 million in annual federal grants. The council took no vote.
Residents Want Local Governments to End Contracts That Let ICE Train on Their Gun Ranges
Residents Want Local Governments to End Contracts That Let ICE Train on Their Gun Ranges U.S. News & World Report
Council Meeting (Closed Session 4:00 PM) — February 18, 2026
More than a dozen speakers, including a San Diego councilmember with a 3,000-signature petition, demanded the city cancel the agreement letting ICE use the EPD firing range. Speakers argued the contract erodes community trust in police and conflicts with the California Values Act. The council took no action; a decision is expected February 25.
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