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Board condemns federal use of Alien Enemies Act, adopts amended resolution
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on April 8 unanimously adopted an amended resolution condemning President Trump's invocation of the federal Alien Enemies Act, citing due-process and historical concerns and calling on Congress to act.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an amended resolution on April 8 condemning President Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to detain and deport non‑citizens.
The resolution, introduced by Supervisor Shamann W. Walton and carried by Supervisor Hillary Ronen's colleagues in sponsorship and discussion led by Supervisor Connie Chan and Supervisor Matt Haney, drew extensive public comment from immigrant‑rights and legal advocates who said the statute echoes abuses from World War II. Supervisor Melgar, who led the board during the item and introduced clarifying language, said the invocation represented an extraordinary federal overreach and urged the city to take a public stand.
Advocates from the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Asian Law Caucus told the board the law had been used historically to target people based on national origin and that current federal actions were occurring without meaningful process for those detained. Jenna from the San Francisco Public Defender's Office said the administration's actions were not simply procedural: "Due process is a hollow promise from this supreme court," she told the board, arguing the city's condemnation was necessary to protect immigrant communities.
Supervisor Melgar moved an amendment to the resolution to clarify historical language; the amendment was seconded and accepted. The board then took the amended resolution "same house, same call" and the clerk announced the item adopted. The roll call reflected a unanimous recorded vote by the members present (one supervisor was excused).
The resolution asks Congress to repeal or otherwise constrain the statute's executive use and urges the mayor's office to join other local governments in opposing the federal actions. Supporters at the meeting called on the city to pair the symbolic resolution with ongoing advocacy and legal support for affected community members.
The board adopted the amended resolution without additional committee referral.
