San Diego County bans ICE agents from non-public facilities

New ordinance ensures county resources are not used for immigration raids and reinforces constitutional protections.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The County of San Diego has officially rolled out its 'Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules' (CLEAR) ordinance, which prevents federal immigration agents from entering non-public county facilities without a judicial warrant. The ordinance aims to ensure county resources are not used to facilitate immigration raids and reinforces constitutional protections inside county spaces such as health clinics, child welfare offices, libraries, and other public service facilities.

Why it matters

This ordinance is part of a broader effort by local governments to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect the civil liberties of immigrant communities. It reflects the ongoing tension between federal immigration policies and local jurisdictions seeking to maintain trust and access to public services for all residents, regardless of immigration status.

The details

Under the CLEAR ordinance, federal law enforcement agents must present a judicial warrant before entering non-public areas of county facilities. County employees are required to allow lawful access, request to see and review judicial warrants, and immediately notify a supervisor if approached by federal agents. The new rules will be posted at all county-operated facilities in English, Spanish, and seven additional languages.

  • The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved the CLEAR ordinance last month by a 3-1 vote.
  • Staff training on the ordinance requirements and reporting procedures is currently underway.

The players

Terra Lawson-Remer

San Diego County Board Chair, who stated that 'County facilities exist to serve the public, not to enable lawless federal enforcement actions.'

San Diego County Board of Supervisors

The governing body that approved the CLEAR ordinance by a 3-1 vote.

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What they’re saying

“This is about the rule of law. County facilities exist to serve the public, not to enable lawless federal enforcement actions. Under CLEAR, federal agents must present a judicial warrant before entering non-public areas. And our residents have the constitutional right to decline to speak with federal agents. We are making those rights visible and clear.”

— Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Board Chair (wane.com)

What’s next

The county is currently training staff on the ordinance requirements and reporting procedures to ensure full implementation of the CLEAR rules across all county facilities.

The takeaway

This ordinance reflects a growing trend among local governments to protect the civil liberties of immigrant communities and limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, even as the tension between federal and local policies on this issue continues to evolve.