San Jose Bans ICE Activities on City Properties

In a recent decision, San Jose has decided to restrict federal immigration operations on many of its city-owned and unoccupied lots. The city council voted unanimously to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using the city’s garages and parking areas—including 75 lots at community centers and libraries—as staging locations for their activities.

This resolution comes shortly after a similar law was enacted in Santa Clara County, aimed at blocking ICE from utilizing county-owned spaces for immigration enforcement. This measure reflects a broader movement across the nation to limit ICE’s presence in public areas, following Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s executive order issued earlier this month that set similar restrictions.

Peter Ortiz, a council member who led this initiative, emphasized the importance of protecting community trust and public safety. He noted that while this policy has not faced legal challenges yet, it’s crucial to take steps to shield residents from federal actions that may create fear. “We want our city assets used to benefit residents, not for federal enforcement that can undermine that trust,” he stated at the council meeting.

The city plans to post signs indicating the ban and potentially install gates to enforce it. Employees are also required to report any ICE activities they witness to their supervisors. San Jose owns numerous vacant lots, particularly along streams, which are not readily accessible for public use. City officials will continually update the list of properties included in the ban.

Importantly, this new policy doesn’t impact areas already utilized by federal agencies, and there hasn’t been any confirmation of city properties being used for immigration activities as of yet. Carolina Camarena, a spokesperson for the city, mentioned that procedures are being developed to enhance enforcement if necessary.

Meanwhile, recent events, like the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by ICE agents, have intensified protests across the country, highlighting concerns about ongoing federal immigration enforcement practices. Mayor Matt Mahan expressed his desire for all residents to feel safe using city services and collaborating with police to report crimes. “We’re very worried about how federal immigration enforcement is being conducted right now,” he added.

Community advocates in Santa Clara County, who have voiced opposition to violence from ICE, called for increased state funding to bolster legal protections for immigrants. Kim Guptill, a volunteer with a rapid response network monitoring ICE activity, noted the strong fear that has gripped many in the community. He urged the mayor to expedite efforts to gather more support for the protection of immigrants.

Last year, San Jose introduced various measures to safeguard immigrant communities, including a ban on law enforcement using masks and allocating funds to support immigration defense organizations. With a population of around 1 million, nearly half of San Jose’s residents are immigrants. City officials are currently reviewing investments to move away from companies associated with ICE, with a report expected in March.

“We’re coming together to tackle this significant issue,” said District 7 Councilman Bien Doan, emphasizing the wide-ranging impact on both Hispanic and Asian communities. “When we organize and unite, we have the power to affect change.”