Supervisor introduces ordinance to bar use of city property to assist federal immigration enforcement

A supervisor introduced an ordinance to strengthen protections against the use of city-owned property or staff assistance to support federal immigration enforcement.

Proposal details The proposed ordinance would amend Administrative Code section 4.19 to: (1) prohibit any entity from commandeering city property for uses that disrupt city operations, discourage access to city services, or conflict with a city purpose; (2) bar city staff from allowing use of city property in a manner that interferes with city operations or public access, with potential disciplinary action for violations; (3) clarify that using city real or personal property to assist federal immigration law enforcement is not a city purpose; and (4) authorize the city attorney to seek legal action against unauthorized uses of city property.

Sponsor rationale The sponsor said the measure was prompted by concerns that large-scale immigration enforcement disrupts city services, reduces trust in government among immigrant communities, and harms local economic activity when families avoid schools and services. The sponsor thanked the deputy city attorney and community advocates for drafting and advising on the legislation.

Next steps The ordinance was introduced and will proceed through committee and additional hearings; the City Attorney will draft the final ordinance language and the sponsor indicated cross-office coordination with advocates and legal staff.