Alameda Prepares for Potential ICE Surge

City leaders outline limitations on local response despite sanctuary city status

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the wake of increased ICE activity across the country, Alameda officials have outlined the city's limited ability to intervene or protect residents from federal immigration enforcement. While Alameda has declared itself a sanctuary city, the police department and school district say they cannot legally interfere with ICE operations, and the mayor warns residents not to have a 'false sense of security'.

Why it matters

As a sanctuary city, Alameda has sought to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. However, this story highlights the practical constraints local governments face in shielding undocumented residents from ICE, raising concerns about the ability of sanctuary policies to truly safeguard vulnerable populations.

The details

Alameda police say they cannot intervene or interfere with ICE agents, even if residents report civil rights violations or excessive force. The school district says it will shelter students in place and involve legal counsel if ICE agents attempt to access campuses, but cannot physically stop them without a judicial warrant. The city is planning bystander training and information sessions to help residents understand their rights, but the mayor acknowledges Alameda has limited power to prevent ICE operations on federal land within the city limits.

  • In October 2025, the deployment of ICE agents to Coast Guard Island in Alameda was called off.
  • On March 28, 2026, a 'No Kings' rally was held in Alameda where organizations offered ICE watch and patrol training.
  • On April 9, 2026, the City of Alameda will hold a bystander training and conflict de-escalation workshop.

The players

Alameda Police Department (APD)

The local law enforcement agency that has stated it will not use resources to support federal immigration enforcement, but cannot legally intervene or interfere with ICE operations.

Alameda Unified School District (AUSD)

The school district that says it will shelter students in place and involve legal counsel if ICE agents attempt to access campuses, but cannot physically stop them without a judicial warrant.

Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft

The mayor of Alameda who acknowledges the city's sanctuary status has limitations, warning residents not to have a 'false sense of security' about protection from ICE.

Tony Daysog

A city councilmember who is proposing a resolution to ban ICE and other federal agents from using city property, though the mayor notes this would not cover federal land within Alameda.

Shalom Bruhn

An organizer of the 'No Kings' rally in Alameda that offered ICE watch and patrol training.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The City of Alameda is committed to ensuring the safety and trust of all community members. In accordance with State and local laws, as well as Alameda Police Department (APD) policy, the City will not use any of its resources or staffing (including police staff) to support civil enforcement of federal immigration laws.”

— Sarah Henry, Communications & Legislative Affairs Officer, City of Alameda

“If there were federal agency activity even near an actual campus, we would likely shelter in place as we would for a variety of different law enforcement scenarios should they occur in the vicinity of a school campus.”

— Pasquale Scuderi, Superintendent, Alameda Unified School District

“When you put armed officers up against armed officers, it's a very dangerous situation.”

— Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor, City of Alameda

What’s next

The City Council of Alameda will vote on April 7 on a resolution proposed by Councilmember Tony Daysog that would ban ICE and other federal agents from using city property for their activities.

The takeaway

While Alameda has declared itself a sanctuary city, this story highlights the practical limitations local governments face in protecting undocumented residents from federal immigration enforcement. Despite sanctuary policies, ICE agents can still operate on federal land within the city, and local law enforcement is constrained in its ability to intervene or interfere with ICE activities. This raises concerns about the true effectiveness of sanctuary city designations in safeguarding vulnerable populations.