Opponents of a proposed federal immigration detention facility near Gilroy scored a temporary victory in court on Tuesday after a judge extended a pause on construction for at least another week. Santa Clara County attorneys are challenging the proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fa cility on environmental grounds, asking the court to halt the project and arguing that the federal government violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to properly address potential hazardous materials at the site. “Even though we don’t have a final ruling yet from the court, the signs that we heard today in the hearing are incredibly encouraging,” said Santa Clara County Counsel Tony LoPresti. Outside the courthouse, hundreds of demonstrators gathered to rally against the facility, chanting, “Immigrants are welcome here.” Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, who represents the area where the facility would be constructed, called the judge’s ruling a positive sign, even though it does not mark a final determination. “It’s not the end result that we wanted, but I think she is being thoughtful about asking the right kinds of questions in hearing,” Arenas said. When reached for comment, ICE declined to confirm office locations, citing increased threats against its personnel, while questioning the coverage of the project. “Is it really news that when a federal agency hires more personnel that they need more space?” the agency said in a statement. The judge is expected to issue a final decision on the county’s request to halt construction Sept. 15. ...read more read less