San Diego County Sheriff’s Office nearly tripled number of inmates sent to ICE custody

This KPBS News Now episode covers a range of local developments in San Diego, beginning with a deep dive into the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office dramatically increasing transfers of jail inmates to ICE custody—nearly tripling from 30 in 2024 to 83 in 2025. Reporter Gustavo Solis explores the controversy surrounding this shift, highlighting concerns from immigrant advocates and County Supervisor Paloma Giri about the fear such cooperation instills in immigrant communities, while Sheriff Kelly Martinez defends the practice as safer for both law enforcement and the public. The segment also examines the upcoming state audit of California’s fusion centers, including San Diego’s Law Enforcement Coordination Center, amid concerns over oversight and data sharing with federal agencies. Other segments spotlight environmental updates, including the reopening of Avenida Lunar Beach and ongoing closures due to sewage contamination, the expansion of college soccer with UCSD joining the Pac-12, and a new EV grant program supporting nonprofits. The episode closes with a feature on the Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego, which opened in October 2025 and uses immersive exhibits and VR experiences to inspire public service through the story of elite military operatives.