San Diego City Council ordinance limits participation in unauthorized federal operations

Oct 21, 2025 - 03:00

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring judicial warrants for federal enforcement to enter City-controlled non-public properties on Monday.

The Due Process and Safety Ordinance is a response to increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and what Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera (D-9) calls “federal overreach.” Authored by Elo-Rivera, the new local law establishes a series of safeguards for residents regarding unauthorized federal operations, including:

Requiring federal and out-of-state law enforcement have a judicial warrant to gain access to non-public City-controlled property

Prohibiting the city from supporting discriminatory/unauthorized enforcement actions that target people based on protected characteristics

Protecting residents’ data privacy from public systems

Creating multilingual “Know Your Rights” programs at city and city-funded facilities

And extending protections to city contractors, lessees and grantees

“San Diegans deserve to live in a city where law, order and rights actually mean something — where safety and dignity go hand in hand,” Elo-Rivera said. “This ordinance makes it clear that our local government will uphold the Constitution, protect our people, and fight for our communities.”

Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and leaders held a press conference before City Council voted on the Due Process and Safety Ordinance. (KSWB/KUSI)

In the staff report, officials cite “attacks on constitutional rights” and President Donald Trump’s use of the military in Los Angeles, as context for the ordinance. On Sunday, Trump suggested he may deploy federal troops to San Francisco and possibly invoke the Insurrection Act.

"Today’s action protects our residents, our police officers, our employees, and the city from potential involvement in illegal activity," Councilmember Joe LaCava (D-1) said.

Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) Immigration Legal Director Maria Chavez said the ordinance upholds due process and safety for the local community.

“This ordinance ensures accountability and transparency to protect our due process, speech, privacy, safety, and reproductive rights,” Chavez said. “We need bold leadership, and we thank City Council for being just that.”

Elo-Rivera said the ordinance is building off current state law, such as the TRUTH and California Values Act. He added this is similar to policies introduced in Oceanside and Vista and future plans throughout the county, establishing a “unified regional framework.”

“This Due Process and Safety Ordinance sends a clear and powerful message: that in San Diego, our city resources, facilities, and public servants will not be used for discrimination, for unlawful enforcement, or for overreaches of federal power,” CEO of the San Diego LGBT Center Cara Dessert said.