Sacramento adopts immigration action plan and ordinance restricting city property use for enforcement

The Sacramento City Council on Thursday adopted a Community Immigration Action Plan and an ordinance adding Chapter 12.73 to the city code that restricts use of city property for civil immigration enforcement and directs the city manager to develop citywide implementation policies.

Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra, Council member Katie Vang and Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes framed the action plan as an update to the city’s sanctuary‑era policies and a “living document” meant to coordinate city response, preserve access to municipal services and strengthen trust with immigrant communities. Guerra said the plan builds on work dating back to 1985: “This plan builds upon an already established framework and policy that dates back to 1985 when the city first declared itself and formally passed the sanctuary city resolution.”

Council members and staff outlined program elements that will guide implementation: Know‑Your‑Rights trainings for city employees, updated CAD reporting to better track community incidents, a tiered emergency response framework for possible enforcement actions, quarterly stakeholder meetings, a public resource directory and funding support for the local “fuel” network. Vice Mayor Talamantes summarized the intent: the plan seeks clarity, consistency and ready protocols so city departments can act together when enforcement actions affect residents.

Speakers from immigrant‑serving organizations and residents largely welcomed the policy direction but pressed for stronger, enforceable measures. “It is disappointing that this action plan is only a watered down version of the ask that a united coalition of community organizations have been providing,” said Priya, a Sacramento community member who urged the council to strengthen language, add measurable goals and create oversight mechanisms.

Several community speakers asked the council to limit data retention by automated license‑plate readers, to reduce information sharing with external agencies, and to remove or review SACPD participation in federal task forces. City Attorney staff said city data is governed by the city’s records management policy and that contracts include data provisions making city data the city’s property. “City data is governed by the city’s records management policy…a 142‑page document, that is publicly available,” told the council. Deputy Chief Munk of the Sacramento Police Department told the council the department’s role at the John Moss federal building is to maintain public safety and ensure access to sidewalks and roadways; he said the department does not share its FUSIS surveillance data with federal immigration authorities.

Council debate focused on balancing enforceability with legal constraints and on ensuring ongoing community involvement during implementation. Several council members stressed that the action plan and ordinance are not the final steps but form an implementation framework to be improved over time.

Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes moved the resolution on the Community Immigration Action Plan and Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. The subsequent motion to adopt the ordinance adding Chapter 12.73 — also moved by Talamantes and seconded by Guerra — passed 9–0.

The council directed the city manager’s office to lead implementation, convene interdepartmental teams with community stakeholders, and report back as the plan is developed and refined.