With tensions ratcheting up across the country following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by a federal agent, San Jose is reinforcing its commitment to the immigrant community by creating “ICE-free zones” on city-owned property.
The new policy, unanimously approved by the San Jose City Council on Tuesday, prohibits city-owned or controlled parking lots, garages and open spaces from being used as operations bases and staging or processing areas for immigration enforcement.
“We are sending a bold and unmistakable message: city property exists to serve our residents, not to facilitate federal actions that undermine community trust or public safety,” said District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who was among the local politicians spearheading the initiative. “This policy is thoughtful and carefully scoped, doesn’t interfere with lawful criminal enforcement or lawful warrants, but it does give our city staff clear direction to protect our public spaces and reinforce San Jose’s commitment to being a city where people feel safe accessing their very own municipal services.”
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s resounding victory in the 2024 election, elected officials braced for turmoil in the immigrant community, as he promised to quickly secure the border and conduct large-scale deportations of people in the country illegally. The federal government also significantly increased the budget for immigration enforcement, allocating $75 billion to ICE through 2029.
With around 40% of its residents identifying as immigrants, local nonprofits and advocacy groups called on San Jose leaders to act.
“These are not normal times, and we need courageous leaders to demonstrate their commitment to community, not only in words, but in action, through policy and resources,” said Jeremy Barousse, director of policy and organizing at Amigos de Guadalupe. “When the federal government attacks the constitutional rights and the fundamentals of democracy, we are all under threat, and we must stand with our most vulnerable neighbors.”
This year, city officials pledged both monetary contributions and policy reform as means to support and protect them. For example, this year’s budget included at least $1 million for immigration support services.
The City Council also followed the lead of state officials in creating local rules that prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their faces — except in a few cases — and require all officers to wear visible identification that clearly shows their agency affiliation.
The Trump administration already has lodged a legal challenge to the constitutionality of California’s law.
“Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in November. “California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand.”
San Jose’s latest policy push follows a similar script of local governments in Santa Clara County and places like Chicago. It also comes as more communities have lodged protests over the tactics of federal immigration authorities.
In the Bay Area, thousands joined protests against ICE over the weekend following the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis.
“Masked agents, literal secret police, are terrorizing American communities, abducting humans from the streets, using chemical weapons on children, brutalizing the people and executing peaceful civilians at point-blank range,” said San Jose resident Michele Coleman said. “They show no restraint, they have no shame. The city and the people of San Jose must send a strong signal that we stand against these unconstitutional and authoritarian attacks on our community.”
As part of the policy, the city will post signage about prohibited uses and install physical barriers when necessary. While the city owns hundreds of properties, the policy will primarily apply to 11 garages and parking lots and 75 library and community centers.
While local policy cannot interfere with federal laws and when officers have a warrant, San Jose has some recourse for determining how city resources are used. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said just as local police do not enforce tax code, local resources should not be used for federal immigration enforcement.
“We want all San Jose residents to access and use city services,” Mahan said. “We want all residents to know that they can safely come to their city to use the services we provide, to work with SJPD, to report and be witnesses to crime, and all the many other vital services, essential services we provide.”
Assemblymember and former City Councilmember Ash Kalra lauded the city’s decision, noting that it would help build trust at a time of “heightened anxiety.”
“San Jose’s leadership on this issue sets an important regional standard and I encourage other jurisdictions across Santa Clara County and the Bay Area to follow your example,” Kalra wrote in a letter to the City Council.
Leave a Reply