Marni von Wilpert’s Record on Immigration and Housing Faces New Scrutiny Amid Falling Rents

A new report from the Federal Reserve highlights the role unauthorized immigration played in driving up housing costs in recent years. The study found that unauthorized immigration accounted for roughly 30% of house-price growth and 20% of rent growth in the average metro area between 2021 and 2024.

Since President Trump took office, rents have begun falling across much of the country for the first time in years, coinciding with a sharp decline in net immigration. Data shows net immigration has dropped 74.7% following the reversal of previous border policies. 

In San Diego, rents have declined 6.5% from recent peaks after several years of increases exceeding 20%.

During this period of rising rents, San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, now a congressional candidate, supported policies favoring continued high levels of immigration while opposing measures to increase local housing supply.

Von Wilpert led the City Council vote to sue ICE and has stated she will continue to oppose border enforcement efforts. “I’m not waiting ‘til I get to Congress to start fighting ICE. I actually led the vote at the City of San Diego to sue ICE,” she said.

On housing policy, von Wilpert actively opposed efforts to expand Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). She pushed for strict caps, limiting ADUs to four units on smaller lots and up to six on larger ones,  and advocated for even tighter restrictions regardless of lot size. Her proposals drew an official warning from the California Department of Housing and Community Development that they could violate state law.

Fresh off her primary victory, Marni von Wilpert was rewarded with a spot in House Democrats’ Red-to-Blue program, with House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries personally congratulating her and declaring that she would help “lower the high cost of living and get our country back on track.”

Yet, San Diego rents rose 32.9% during von Wilpert’s time on the council.

RNC Spokesman Nick Poche weighed in: “Marni von Wilpert’s pro-illegal immigration policies and anti-housing policies shoved working families out of the housing market because of increased demand from illegal immigrants. Thanks to President Trump and Republicans, American families will be able to afford homes.”

Her opponent, County Supervisor Jim Desmond, has supported expanding housing options such as ADUs to help address affordability.

 “We need housing, and the ADUs make up a large portion of our new construction in San Diego County, unfortunately,” Supervisor Jim Desmond stated during the Board’s consideration to expand ADU ordinances.”If we’re gonna adopt an ordinance, I want it to be as flexible as possible to give homebuilders room to make their projects work,” he said.

At the federal level, Senate Republicans recently passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aimed at reducing regulations that have increased home costs by an estimated 25-40%. President Trump has also moved to restrict large Wall Street investors from purchasing single-family homes.

“It’s becoming unbearable to live in California,” Desmond told the Globe in January 2025. “The cost of living is driving working families and seniors out of this state.”

“I’m running for Congress because it’s time for change,” Desmond added. “It’s time for common sense to return to our government. We need leaders who will focus on delivering real solutions on immigration, public safety, and homelessness. With my track record of leadership and proven ability to get results, I’m ready to bring your voice to Washington.”