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Hayward city manager reiterates sanctuary policies and urges calm after immigration enforcement concerns
Summary
City Manager Dr. Ana Alvarez told residents the city will not assist federal immigration enforcement and pointed to the 2017 sanctuary resolution, administrative rules and department policy as binding protections; council members and community partners urged residents to rely on official updates.
Hayward City Manager Dr. Ana Alvarez told residents at the Jan. 28 City Council meeting that city departments and employees "do not, must not, and will not participate or support in federal immigration enforcement in any form," and urged residents to rely on official city communications amid social-media reports.
Alvarez cited the sanctuary city resolution adopted June 21, 2017, City of Hayward Administrative Rule 1.1 and Hayward Police Department policy 4 15 as the policy foundation that governs city employees and police personnel. "This policy is enshrined in the sanctuary city resolution adopted by the city council on 06/21/2017," Alvarez said, adding the rules are "consistent with state and federal law."
Why it matters: Hayward officials framed the statement as a reassurance to a community the city describes as large and diverse — Alvarez said the city is 42% foreign born and 18% non-U.S. citizens according to 2023 American Community Survey figures — and as a reminder that local law enforcement and city staff have limits and obligations under other levels of government.
Council members echoed the message. Mayor Salinas and Council member Zirmeno, among others, thanked the city manager and emphasized community partnerships with nonprofits, health providers and elected officials. Alvarez asked residents to subscribe to the City's official digital newsletter (STAC) and the city’s official platforms for accurate updates. Several council members and speakers highlighted local resources and workshops for "know your rights" information and legal help for residents facing immigration-related enforcement.
What officials said and didn’t say: Alvarez and council members described the city’s posture and the authorities that guide employee conduct; they did not announce new ordinances or changes to enforcement jurisdiction. Alvarez acknowledged that federal immigration law and federal enforcement actions can overlap with local jurisdictions but said Hayward staff and departments will not assist in federal immigration enforcement.
Next steps and community resources: Council members and staff asked residents to verify social-media claims, attend locally posted workshops and contact partner organizations for legal support; staff said the city will periodically publish verified updates on its official channels.
Ending: The council did not take any formal action on immigration policy at the Jan. 28 meeting; the statement from the city manager served as an administrative reaffirmation of existing policy.
