San Diego Passes Law Barring Federal Agents from Non-Public Spaces Without Warrant

The 'Due Process and Safety Ordinance' aims to provide more protections for immigrant residents in the region.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that bars federal agents from entering non-public city property without a warrant signed by a judge. The law also limits local police involvement in enforcement actions targeting protected characteristics and requires more 'Know Your Rights' signage across the city.

Why it matters

The policy comes amid heightened concern over immigration enforcement in the San Diego region, with data showing a nearly sevenfold increase in ICE arrests in the first 10 months of 2025 compared to 2024. The ordinance is intended to provide more protections for immigrant residents who have expressed fear of leaving their homes or going to church due to increased federal presence.

The details

The ordinance applies to city contractors, including construction projects for new city-funded buildings. It also requires the city to limit data sharing with outside agencies and provide more 'Know Your Rights' information to residents. Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who introduced the measure, acknowledged the limits of what local governments can do in the face of federal enforcement, but said the ordinance carries more weight than a symbolic resolution.

  • The San Diego City Council approved the ordinance on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The ordinance will take effect 30 days after being signed by the mayor.

The players

San Diego City Council

The governing body of the City of San Diego that unanimously approved the 'Due Process and Safety Ordinance'.

Sean Elo-Rivera

The San Diego City Councilmember who introduced the measure, acknowledging the limits of what local governments can do in the face of federal enforcement.

Deportation Data Project

An organization that obtained data via a Freedom of Information Act request, showing a nearly sevenfold increase in ICE arrests in the San Diego region in the first 10 months of 2025 compared to 2024.

Viet Voices

A nonprofit organization that supports the Vietnamese community in San Diego and whose leader spoke in support of the ordinance during public comment.

Alliance San Diego

A community organization whose representative, Patricia Mondragon, spoke in support of the ordinance during public comment.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The community doesn't know who's there to protect them, who's there to uphold their rights, and who's there to terrorize them. We hear every single day – just yesterday I heard from somebody that is afraid. They're afraid to leave their home. They're afraid to go to church. This is a person that has been here for over 20 years that has worked, built a life, and just lives in fear.”

— Patricia Mondragon, Alliance San Diego

What’s next

The ordinance now heads to the mayor's desk for signature, and will take effect 30 days after being signed.

The takeaway

This ordinance highlights the growing tensions over immigration enforcement in San Diego and the efforts by local governments to provide more protections for immigrant residents in their communities, even as they acknowledge the limits of their authority in the face of federal actions.