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Board adopts 'CLEAR' ordinance limiting federal immigration enforcement access to county facilities
Summary
After more than 100 public speakers and a procedural reconsideration, the Board of Supervisors passed the CLEAR ordinance on Jan. 13 with one dissenting vote. The ordinance codifies requirements for judicial warrants and reporting when federal agents seek access to county facilities, and includes amendments to limit contractor waivers.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance on Jan. 13 that restricts federal immigration‑enforcement access to county facilities unless officers present a judicial warrant or meet other narrowly defined exceptions. The measure—referred to by speakers as the CLEAR (Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules) ordinance—was the most contentious item on the agenda and drew extensive public comment in favor and opposition.
Supporters, including the ACLU and Alliance San Diego, said the ordinance clarifies existing policy, increases transparency, and protects immigrant and other vulnerable communities who rely on county services. "This ordinance will protect basic constitutional rights for everyone who lives in, works in or accesses San Diego County services or facilities," said Eddie Mayer of the ACLU.
Opponents argued the proposal risks undermining public‑safety cooperation with federal agencies and could create operational ambiguities for local law enforcement. The board discussed operational exceptions, reporting requirements for the Sheriff’s Department, and language addressing county contractors.
A procedural oversight prompted a motion to reconsider after the initial vote; the board unanimously voted to reconsider and then adopted the ordinance with additional amendments clarifying that county contractors cannot waive the ordinance’s protections in county agreements. Clerk Andrew announced the final vote as passing with Supervisor Anderson voting no and the remaining supervisors present voting aye.
The ordinance was presented as a first reading with amendments and will be subject to subsequent administrative steps as provided in the ordinance timeline.
