Imperial County Data Center Vote Sparks Arrest, Community Outcry

A public meeting in Imperial County, California, concerning a proposed 950,000-square-foot data center, ended in the arrest of a vocal opponent on Tuesday amid escalating tensions over the project’s environmental impact and community oversight.

Ismael Arvizu, 26, was removed and later arrested outside the Imperial County Board of Supervisors chambers, after voicing opposition to the facility during the meeting’s public comment period. According to Arvizu, he faces charges including trespassing, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, and threatening a public official. Imperial County’s Sheriff’s Office confirmed the case has been forwarded to the district attorney for review.

The board session drew a large crowd, with several residents expressing concerns—chief among them the board’s decision to exempt the data center from a state environmental review process. Resident Ramon Chavoya presented signatures seeking to recall Board Chair Peggy Price, highlighting the division the project has created in the community.

Arvizu, who spoke emphatically against the lot merger needed for the project, told board members that local residents would pay the price for a development benefiting corporate interests. After being asked to lower his voice, Arvizu completed his comment period and later applauded another critic, following which he says law enforcement ordered his removal without explanation. He was subsequently arrested outside the building. Arvizu denies that he threatened any official and reports that other residents were also forced out but not detained.

Despite the heated atmosphere, the board approved the lot merger for the data center site on a 4-1 vote. The proposed facility by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing would be among California’s largest data centers, and has fueled debate over its potential draw on regional water and power resources amid a national surge in opposition to data center projects.

Across the U.S., community resistance has intensified as large-scale data centers multiply to support artificial intelligence growth. Recent months have seen arrests at council meetings, recalls of elected officials, and incidents of violence or threats reportedly linked to data center disputes.

As of Thursday, Imperial County board members had not commented publicly on the incident or Arvizu’s arrest. The district attorney’s office is reviewing potential charges, and no further arrests were reported following the meeting.