Lawsuit Alleges Federal Violations of Agricultural Zoning Laws

California filed a lawsuit on June 10, 2026, against the Trump administration to block the construction of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility near Gilroy. The state alleges the federal government violated laws requiring state and county notification and ignored zoning restrictions that limit the leased land to agricultural use.

Why is California suing the federal government?

The lawsuit claims the federal government bypassed mandatory legal procedures and local land-use laws to establish the ICE site. According to the legal filing, the administration failed to complete procedural steps required before starting construction on the project.

The state argues that the federal government did not provide the required notifications to county and state authorities. These notifications are legally mandated before the commencement of such construction projects.

What are the specific legal allegations regarding the land?

A central point of the lawsuit involves the zoning of the leased property. The state alleges that the land intended for the ICE facility is zoned exclusively for agricultural use.

By attempting to build a federal detention or administrative facility on agricultural land, the state claims the administration is in violation of established zoning laws.

Where is the planned ICE facility located?

The planned site is located near Gilroy, California, in the region surrounding San José. The project involves leased land intended for use by the Department of Homeland Security’s ICE office.