San Francisco Supervisors Ban Federal Immigration Enforcement on City Property

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that prohibits federal immigration enforcement operations on city property, making San Francisco the latest Bay Area jurisdiction to establish “ICE-free zones.”

The new ordinance prevents any entity from conducting activities that disrupt city operations or services, according to the legislation. The measure specifically targets immigration enforcement activities on public property, which supervisors argue undermines city operations.

“This legislation is a necessary piece in upholding our Sanctuary City commitments,” said Supervisor Chyanne Chen in a statement. “We will not stand for ICE to use our public properties to aid their harassment or terrorization of San Franciscans.”

Chen co-authored the legislation with Supervisor Bilal Mahmood. The ordinance empowers the City Attorney’s Office to take legal action against any entity engaged in unauthorized use of public properties for immigration enforcement purposes.

San Francisco already operates as a sanctuary city, which restricts local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration operations. However, according to the supervisors, this designation does not prevent federal immigration agencies like ICE from entering the city and detaining people.

The new ordinance aims to encourage residents to continue using city programs and services without fear of federal immigration authorities, regardless of their immigration status. Multiple studies conducted by the Urban Institute, a policy research organization, show that heightened immigration enforcement leads to decreased participation in public activities among immigrant families, according to the legislation.

“When immigration enforcement shows up at or near public facilities, we know what happens,” Mahmood said in a statement. “People disappear from services, kids miss school, witnesses don’t report crimes, and the city can’t do its job.”

The supervisors’ action comes as local jurisdictions across the Bay Area have moved to establish similar protections. San Francisco joins Richmond, San Jose, Oakland, and the counties of Santa Clara and Alameda in passing such ordinances.

The timing of the legislation reflects broader concerns about federal immigration policy and its impact on local communities. The ordinance represents an expansion of San Francisco’s existing sanctuary city policies, which have been in place for years but faced renewed scrutiny and potential federal challenges.

The unanimous vote demonstrates broad support among city supervisors for strengthening protections for immigrant residents. The legislation builds on San Francisco’s long-standing position as a sanctuary jurisdiction while addressing what supervisors see as gaps in current protections.

The ordinance specifically focuses on preventing disruption to city services and operations, framing the issue as a matter of municipal governance rather than solely immigration policy. By prohibiting activities that interfere with city functions, supervisors aim to maintain the accessibility of public services for all residents.

The legislation also provides the city with legal tools to enforce the prohibition, giving the City Attorney’s Office authority to pursue legal action against violations. This enforcement mechanism distinguishes the new ordinance from the city’s existing sanctuary policies, which primarily govern local law enforcement behavior.

The move reflects ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions. San Francisco’s action signals the city’s commitment to maintaining its sanctuary status despite potential federal pressure or policy changes.

The ordinance takes effect immediately following the supervisors’ approval, adding San Francisco to the growing list of Bay Area jurisdictions that have established formal ICE-free zones on public property.