San Diego Passes Ordinance Limiting Federal Cooperation

New law requires warrants for federal access to city data and resources.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:46am

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A realistic oil painting of a San Diego city street corner, with a lone municipal worker standing near a government building bathed in warm sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and political tension.A new San Diego ordinance aims to limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, reflecting broader political divisions over immigration policy.San Diego Today

The San Diego City Council has unanimously passed an ordinance that will impose stricter limits on collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The new law requires federal authorities to obtain judicial warrants or court orders before accessing non-public city data or resources.

Why it matters

This ordinance is part of a broader trend of cities and states seeking to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Proponents argue it protects civil liberties and immigrant communities, while critics say it undermines public safety. The ordinance reflects ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration policy.

The details

The ordinance prohibits San Diego city employees from voluntarily sharing non-public information with federal agencies for immigration enforcement purposes, unless required by law. It also requires federal agents to obtain a judicial warrant or court order before accessing city databases, facilities, or other resources.

  • The San Diego City Council unanimously adopted the ordinance on April 7, 2026.

The players

San Diego City Council

The legislative body of the City of San Diego that unanimously passed the new ordinance limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

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What’s next

The ordinance now awaits the signature of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria to be enacted into law.

The takeaway

This ordinance reflects the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration policy, with San Diego joining other cities and states in seeking to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.