Nevada City adopts resolution affirming protections for immigrants and directing local non‑enforcement of federal immigration actions

Nevada City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-11 on March 26, 2025, affirming the city’s commitment to a safe, inclusive community and setting clear limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The resolution states that city employees and law enforcement shall not inquire into individuals’ immigration status unless required by law, that the city will not use personnel, facilities or resources to enforce federal immigration laws except pursuant to a court order, and that the city will not enter into 287(g) agreements that deputize local officers for federal immigration enforcement. The resolution also calls for partnership with community organizations to support vulnerable residents and urges neighboring jurisdictions to adopt similar commitments.

Chief of Police Dan Foss told the council that the police department’s approach is to provide equal service to everyone and "we will never ask for immigration status" as a condition of assistance. Community advocates Lolo Stone and high-school student Jocelyn delivered personal testimony: Stone warned of federal rhetoric and policies she described as dehumanizing, and Joselyn read a poem about belonging.

Public comment was extensive and uniformly supportive; speakers described community members who are frightened to leave their homes and urged the council to act. Council members framed the resolution as both a moral commitment and an operational policy: Council Member Fernandez and Council Member Cece emphasized that the city must both adopt words and follow through with actions to protect residents.

The resolution passed unanimously on a 5-0 roll call vote. Council directed staff to coordinate with community partners on next steps and encouraged nearby jurisdictions and the county to adopt similar resolutions.