A member of the board of supervisors in California’s second-largest county resigned unexpectedly, attributing it to safety apprehensions following her advocacy for shielding individuals from deportation.
Nora Vargas, the Chair of the Board of Supervisors representing a predominantly Hispanic constituency along the U.S.-Mexico border, announced her decision to conclude her current term on January 6, 2025, in a social media post.
Despite her landslide victory in the recent election with over 62 percent of the vote, Vargas disclosed, ‘Due to personal safety and security reasons, I will not pursue a second term.’
Vargas faced backlash as board chair for supporting a measure aimed at preventing the use of county resources for federal immigration enforcement. While the measure passed, the county sheriff, Kelly Martinez, expressed opposition, refusing to comply with the policy designed to safeguard individuals from anticipated mass deportations under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Besides, Vargas was implicated in a discrimination claim against the county, though details remain undisclosed.
Griselda Ramirez, spokesperson for Vargas, refrained from offering further insights beyond the supervisor’s statement, indicating unavailability for interviews.
Kimberly King from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office clarified, ‘There are no known threats towards Chairwoman Nora Vargas or any County Supervisors,’ stressing the seriousness with which the office treats all potential threats and disruptive behaviors.
Notably, Vargas encountered criticism over a discrimination claim within the county and constituents’ complaints regarding unresponsiveness to their grievances.
Former county registrar of voters Michael Vu alleged in October that Vargas obstructed his candidacy for chief administrative officer based on racial considerations. Vargas refuted the claim, expressing willingness for a thorough investigation to disprove any allegations of racial bias.
Furthermore, concerns were raised in late November about Vargas’ lack of attentiveness to issues like homelessness, drug problems, and pollution in the Tijuana River, unsettling some residents in her district.
Marvel Harrison from the Tijuana River Pollution Task Force, while critical of Vargas’ performance, expressed astonishment at her sudden resignation, highlighting the surprise and confusion among those anticipating collaboration with Vargas in her upcoming term.
