Alameda Mayor Joins Lawsuit Against Federal Immigration Crackdown

City leaders across the U.S. are fighting back against federal agents sowing fear and mistrust in local communities.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, the mayor of Alameda, California, has signed on to a number of amicus briefs supporting the rights of states and local governments to govern without being subjected to the militarization of their streets or being required to support federal civil immigration enforcement. The city of Alameda has also joined other local jurisdictions in litigating against the federal government to protect local funding from unconstitutional conditions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tension between local governments and the federal administration over immigration enforcement. Mayors across the country are concerned about the actions of federal agents like ICE and CBP, which they say are sowing fear and mistrust in their communities. By joining legal challenges, Alameda and other cities are fighting to preserve their autonomy and protect their residents.

The details

Mayor Ashcraft returned from a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., where mayors discussed the challenges their cities are facing due to the presence of federal immigration agents. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke about the need to push back against the federal government's actions through legal channels, rather than physical confrontation.

  • Mayor Ashcraft attended the annual winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in early February 2026.
  • The city of Alameda has joined other local jurisdictions in litigating against the federal government.

The players

Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft

The mayor of Alameda, California, and the granddaughter of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago, a former middle school social studies teacher.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis, who has written about the need for cities to push back against federal immigration enforcement through legal channels.

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What they’re saying

“Our democracy is stronger because of protests, especially with what is happening now.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

“I hope no more of my fellow mayors find their cities in this administration's crosshairs. But for those who do, here is my advice: The best thing you can do is to build cities that work and love those streets and those citizens above any ideology.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis

What’s next

The city of Alameda will continue to litigate against the federal government to protect local funding and preserve the city's autonomy in governing its own affairs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tension between local governments and the federal administration over immigration enforcement, with mayors across the country fighting to preserve their autonomy and protect their residents through legal challenges rather than physical confrontation.