photo credit: City of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa City Hall Building

The Santa Rosa City Council is considering an ordinance that would bar federal immigration agents from using city property for enforcement operations.

The proposal states that city property is reserved for city business, meaning Immigration and Customs Enforcement could not use facilities such as parking lots to stage operations.

Santa Rosa is one of several California jurisdictions weighing similar measures. San Francisco created “ICE‑Free Zones” on city property in February, and Santa Cruz County advanced restrictions on county buildings and lots last month.

City administrators say they’re recommending the ordinance in response to rising fear in immigrant communities, which they say has led to lower participation in public programs, reduced trust in local law enforcement and people avoiding community spaces.

Staff say they hope the policy would help rebuild trust between immigrant communities and the police department and encourage residents to report crime and interact with officers.

Not all city leaders support the proposal as is. Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan says the loss of trust is already affecting public safety across Santa Rosa, but he also warns the ordinance could put officers at risk if ICE doesn't comply.

“That’s a recipe for disaster when you have two armed forces going against each other like that and potentially leading to confrontation,” Cregan said.

Elsewhere in Sonoma County, Cotati is also considering a similar resolution this week.

Editor's Note: To see more of our reporting on trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, visit our Immigration News tab.