Congressman Ruiz Urges Governor Newsom to Protect Calipatria State Prison Jobs in Imperial Valley

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to reconsider any plans that would include closing Calipatria State Prison, following the Governor’s announcement in the May Revision of the California Budget that another state prison will be closed this year.

In his letter, Congressman Ruiz emphasized the devastating economic impact such a decision would have on Imperial Valley, a predominantly rural, underserved region already experiencing the highest unemployment rate in California at 16%, more than triple the state average.

“The closure of Calipatria State Prison would strip away a critical source of economic security from families already struggling to make ends meet,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “This is about more than just jobs; it’s about protecting the ability of parents to provide for their children and ensuring that communities in Imperial Valley are not left behind. I am calling on Governor Newsom to not close the Calipatria State Prison.”

The prison provides hundreds of stable, good-paying jobs for local residents, serving as a lifeline in a region historically excluded from major economic development efforts. The letter also highlights the compounding effect of the recently announced planned closure at the Spreckels Sugar Plant, another major employer in the area, which has already deepened economic insecurity for local families.

Congressman Ruiz called on the Governor to work collaboratively with him and local leaders to find alternative solutions that do not jeopardize livelihoods or increase economic hardship for the region’s residents.

Read the full letter, here.