Sunnyvale public-safety reiterates nonparticipation in immigration enforcement, describes sideshow ordinance and regional response

Sunnyvale public-safety leaders reiterated the department's policy not to engage in immigration enforcement and described how the city addresses vehicle "sideshows" and coordination with state and federal agencies.

Immigration enforcement: Chief Pho Ngo told residents the department does not perform immigration enforcement and follows state law and departmental policy on when it may engage with federal authorities. When asked whether officers would respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted enforcement in a business without a warrant, Ngo said the city would generally not respond to questions of legal authority for federal action and that ICE is a federal agency with its own jurisdiction.

Sideshow enforcement and towing: Residents asked about illegal sideshows and whether police could tow vehicles. Officials said Sunnyvale passed a sideshow ordinance several years ago that criminalizes participating in or spectating at illegal sideshows; the city does not have an automatic tow ordinance for all such events but works regionally with other law enforcement agencies to prevent and disperse shows. Officials said information sharing and pre-event presence help deter gatherings.

Why it matters: Residents expressed concern about ICE presence at businesses, public safety and the prevalence of illegal car shows. Officials directed residents with immigration-enforcement concerns to federal channels for legal review and encouraged reporting so staff can coordinate with county and regional partners on prevention and enforcement.