Supervisor introduces resolution reaffirming San Francisco's sanctuary ordinance; board cosponsors unanimously

Supervisor Engadio introduced a resolution on Jan. 14 reaffirming San Francisco's sanctuary ordinance, which the speaker described as a 35-year-old policy that limits the use of city personnel and resources to assist federal immigration enforcement unless state or federal law requires cooperation. The resolution drew unanimous cosponsorship from the board.

"To be clear, sanctuary ordinance prohibits the use of city resources and personnel from assisting the federal government with targeting, arresting, and detaining immigrants for deportation unless required by state or federal law," Supervisor Engadio said. "Our sanctuary ordinance is a tool to promote public safety for all San Franciscans by ensuring that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel safe calling the police or fire department during emergencies and cooperating with city agencies during public safety situations."

Engadio told colleagues that a recent immigrants-rights commission hearing, attended by many constituents and interpreted in four languages, had prompted the resolution amid concerns about potential federal policy changes. The supervisor thanked the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, the Immigrants Rights Commission and community partners for outreach and interpretation services.

Why it matters: The sanctuary ordinance has been a long-standing municipal policy intended to encourage reporting of crime and access to services by immigrant communities. The introduced resolution restates the board's commitment and signals local government intent to maintain current policies in the face of federal changes referenced by the speaker.

Next steps: The resolution was introduced with unanimous cosponsorship; the board did not take a recorded vote during this introductory floor presentation and will proceed according to normal procedural steps for resolutions.