Debate grows over ICE contract at Escondido police shooting range
Activists and some regional officials call for cancellation of the $67,500 agreement allowing federal agents to train locally through 2029
ESCONDIDO — A contract allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to train at Escondido’s police shooting range has sparked backlash from activists and elected officials after recent reports.
The agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has been active since 2014 and was renewed this month by Escondido Police Chief Ken Plunkett. The deal allows federal agents access to the Valley Center Road shooting range for 20 days per year.
The contract, approved administratively, runs through Jan. 14, 2027, with an option to extend until 2029, EPD Cpt. Erik Whitholt said.
The deal is worth $22,500 annually, or $67,500 through 2029, and allows up to 200 special agents to train in groups of 20, according to L.A. Taco. White confirmed the council will discuss the agreement during its Feb. 25 meeting.
White, though, stressed the police department is not coordinating with ICE agents, while EPD officials said the contract complies with Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act. SB 54 limits local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Whitholt said the department owns and operates the range, and rents exclusively to local, state and federal government agencies. It is not open to the public. Additionally, he said no EPD or city staff assists with those trainings and there is no cross-training with EPD and ICE.
“This contract was approved administratively by the Escondido Police Department and has been in place since at least 2014,” Mayor White told L.A. Taco. “It was not voted on by the Escondido City Council. While the Escondido Police Department routinely trains with law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels, the department remains fully compliant with SB 54 and does not participate in or cooperate with immigration enforcement.”
According to city policy, contracts for more than $200,000 require City Council approval. The city manager can approve agreements up to $200,000, department heads can approve agreements for up to $75,000, and a department head designee, by written authorization, can execute contracts up to $25,000.
