Chula Vista Council Advances Immigration Enforcement Ordinance

Measure limits federal access to city facilities, mandates transparency reporting

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Chula Vista City Council voted 4-0 to advance an ordinance that would add new restrictions on federal immigration enforcement activities within the city. The measure, introduced by Councilmember Carolina Chavez, would limit federal access to city facilities and require regular reporting on any requests for assistance from federal or out-of-state law enforcement. The ordinance is rooted in the city's existing sanctuary policies and aims to build community trust and public safety.

Why it matters

This ordinance reflects the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, with cities like Chula Vista seeking to balance public safety and community trust with compliance with federal laws. The vote comes amid a broader national debate over the role of local authorities in immigration enforcement.

The details

The Safe Neighbor Ordinance would require city vendors and contractors to keep immigration status information confidential and notify the city within five business days of any request from federal or out-of-state law enforcement for assistance with immigration enforcement. The council also amended the ordinance to require reports every six months on federal law enforcement activity within the city, with the first report due by July 1, 2026.

  • On Feb. 2, 2026, the council directed the city manager to draft the ordinance.
  • On March 5, 2026, the council voted 4-0 to advance the ordinance.
  • A second reading is required before the ordinance takes effect, which would be 30 days after final passage.

The players

John McCann

The mayor of Chula Vista who recused himself from the vote, citing his position as a U.S. Navy Reserve officer.

Carolina Chavez

The Chula Vista City Councilmember who introduced the ordinance, framing it as a matter of community trust and public safety.

Michael Inzunza

A Chula Vista City Councilmember who addressed public concerns about the city's use of Flock camera technology and data sharing with federal agencies.

Lucy Ugarte

The president of the Sweetwater Education Association who spoke in favor of the ordinance during public comment.

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What they’re saying

“We are living in a moment where reckless enforcement actions at the federal level have left many people uncertain about their rights and afraid in their own communities. That fear has real consequences for families, for our neighborhoods, and for public safety.”

— Carolina Chavez, Chula Vista City Councilmember

“Our students are tired of being scared.”

— Lucy Ugarte, President, Sweetwater Education Association

“The only way there's access to any of our files is through a judicial warrant.”

— Michael Inzunza, Chula Vista City Councilmember

What’s next

A second reading of the ordinance is required before it can take effect, which would be 30 days after final passage.

The takeaway

This ordinance reflects the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, with cities like Chula Vista seeking to balance public safety and community trust with compliance with federal laws. The vote highlights the broader national debate over the role of local authorities in immigration enforcement.