San Diego council adopts Due Process and Safety Ordinance to limit local participation in federal enforcement

The City Council advanced and recorded adoption of the Due Process and Safety Ordinance at its April 7, 2026 meeting, a measure council members and community advocates described as establishing constitutional guardrails to limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

Councilmember Ilo Rivera, who presented the ordinance at second reading, said the measure requires judicial warrants for federal and out-of-state law enforcement access to nonpublic city facilities, extends protections to city contractors and grantees, prohibits enforcement targeted by protected characteristics and mandates multilingual "know your rights" education at city sites. "The protections in this ordinance apply to literally everyone," Rivera said.

Community organizations urged passage during a lengthy public-comment period. Luis Guerra of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center told the council: "We urge you to support this ordinance," saying it would provide clarity for city employees and protect vulnerable neighbors. Patricia Mondragon of Alliance San Diego described the ordinance as aligning with state law and improving transparency around joint task forces and reporting.

Supporters said the ordinance builds on the California Values Act, the Truth Act and state privacy laws to extend local protections across city-funded activities. Councilmembers from multiple districts praised the ordinance in debate, calling it a practical step to protect due process even as they acknowledged limits in shielding residents from federal actions.

The ordinance was included on the consent motion moved by Councilmember Ilo Rivera and seconded by Councilmember Jennifer Campbell. The clerk recorded the consent vote on the record during the meeting.

What it does: the ordinance requires judicial warrants for federal access to nonpublic city facilities, extends restrictions to contractors and grantees that use city funds, prohibits use of city resources to target people based on political or protected characteristics, and requires multilingual know-your-rights materials and improved reporting on collaborations with federal agencies.

Why it matters: advocates and council members said the ordinance reduces fear among immigrant and other vulnerable communities, clarifies the role of city employees during federal enforcement actions and creates stronger transparency and accountability requirements.

Next steps: the ordinance was moved as part of the consent agenda on April 7. The council record shows the motion carried; the clerk announced the result as part of the consent vote. Council members and community groups signaled continued attention to implementation details, including contract reviews and outreach to ensure the new requirements are enforced at city-funded sites.

Quotes: "This ordinance makes it clear that our local government will uphold the Constitution, protect our people, and fight for our communities," Ilo Rivera said. "Passing the due process and safety ordinance is about leading with courage," a public commenter, Patricia Mondragon, said.

The council returned to other business after the vote; the ordinance and related implementation details remain subject to administrative follow-up by city staff.