San Jose politicians listen to residents’ federal concerns

ICE raids, public health and the Israel-Hamas war dominated a recent town hall with Congressmember Sam Liccardo and Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas.

The political leaders, who represent South San Jose, met with dozens of residents Thursday at John Muir Middle School to listen to their concerns. People questioned how the county was supporting immigrants, demanded action regarding the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and were anxious about the federal government limiting vaccination accessibility.

“There’s a lot of understandable fear, deep concern and some anger — and all of it’s justified,” Liccardo told San José Spotlight. “We have a lot of work to do. The important thing is that people have an opportunity to have their questions addressed and to hear each other. We gain strength by understanding that we’re not the only ones who feel afraid or feel angry, and I certainly benefit from understanding what folks are most concerned about.”

Liccardo is working with various nonprofits to bring lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration “to stop and limit the constitutional excesses,” including the federal government’s attempt to invalidate birthright citizenship. Liccardo supported a legal challenge to the sharing of personal Medicaid data, know as Medi-Cal in California, with the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement.

Arenas said Santa Clara County has legally stood up against the federal government, especially on immigration issues. She said the county has invested in legal support services including the Rapid Response Network and Know Your Rights campaign. Arenas said fear of deportation is why children are missing school.

“When chronic absenteeism is happening, that kiddo is falling behind, behind, behind, and at a certain period of time … it is going to be impossible to catch up,” she said. “It’s up to us to continue to advocate.”

Residents asked Liccardo what he’s doing to end the genocide in Gaza.

“I’ve been very vocal about my deep concerns about the failure of (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu in Israel to provide aid to 2 million human beings who have had their homes destroyed,” he said. “I have signed letters and co-sponsored legislation. I’ve been very vocal in condemning Israel’s failure, for example, to hold Israeli settlers in the West Bank accountable for violence inflicted against Palestinians and what appears to be a plan to push … Palestinians out of Gaza into other countries.”

Liccardo said Israel was within its rights to use military force when Hamas killed more than 1,200 people on Oct. 7 in an act of terrorism, but a pathway is needed to end the war and rebuild. He said Netanyahu isn’t motivated to end the war.

Other residents asked what Congress is doing to protect public health, after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threatened to limit vaccines. Liccardo said people have to raise their voices.

“The federal government has abdicated its responsibility for your health … when this budget got passed for the trillion-dollar loss to Medicaid over 10 years,” Liccardo said. “What that means is that local communities are required to step up more and they’re being required to do so with fewer and fewer resources. We know there are going to be clinics throughout the country, hospitals throughout the country that will be closing as a result.”

Arenas said Santa Clara County’s loss of federal health care funding will impact local communities, hurt education systems and nutrition and mental health programs. But she said the county has a plan to address it. In addition to about $300 million in internal cuts, the county is putting a five-eighth cent general sales tax measure before voters on Nov. 4.

Liccardo said the November special election is crucial, as residents have an opportunity to approve redistricting that would add congressional seats in California.

“That is something you can affect here in San Jose to help us in Washington change the direction of this country … and essentially make it so we’re able to take back the House,” Liccardo said. “Democracy is not a spectator sport. The fact that you are here tells me something about how much you care about our community and our country.”