Santa Rosa Moves to Enact 'ICE-Free Zone' Rules

City Council directs staff to draft policies blocking federal immigration agents from using municipal property.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Santa Rosa officials are moving closer to enacting new policies that would block federal immigration agents from using city property, like parking lots and offices, for enforcement operations. The City Council directed staff to draft the 'ICE-free zone' rules during a long study session, where members debated the legality and potential risks of the proposed policy.

Why it matters

The move is seen as necessary by supporters to protect undocumented residents following a surge in federal immigration enforcement actions, but city leaders warn the policy may be unenforceable and could put local police in a dangerous position if they're forced to confront armed federal agents.

The details

The proposed 'ICE-free zone' rules would prohibit federal immigration agents from accessing public spaces like city-owned parking lots and offices to conduct enforcement operations. While supporters argue this is a legal and necessary step to protect vulnerable residents, Mayor Mark Stapp and the Police Chief cautioned that the policy might not be enforceable and could put local officers at risk if they're required to intervene.

  • The Santa Rosa City Council discussed the 'ICE-free zone' proposal during a study session on February 12, 2026.

The players

Mark Stapp

The mayor of Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that has raised concerns about the enforceability of the proposed 'ICE-free zone' rules and the potential risks to officers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Santa Rosa City Council will continue to work on drafting the specific 'ICE-free zone' rules and policies in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The debate in Santa Rosa highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments seeking to protect undocumented immigrants and the federal government's immigration enforcement efforts, with concerns about the legality and safety implications of such 'sanctuary' policies.