California Cities Push Back: The Growing Movement to Limit ICE Access to Public Spaces
A wave of California cities are taking steps to protect their communities by restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to public facilities. Campbell, California, recently joined Santa Clara and San José in enacting policies designed to ensure that spaces like community centers and libraries remain safe and accessible for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
From Sanctuary Cities to Targeted Restrictions
While the term “sanctuary city” often evokes broad policies, the current trend focuses on more targeted restrictions. These cities aren’t necessarily declaring themselves sanctuaries, but are actively limiting ICE’s ability to operate within specific public spaces. This shift reflects growing concerns about the chilling effect that immigration enforcement can have on community engagement and access to vital services.
Campbell’s move, spearheaded by Councilmember Sergio Lopez, was prompted by resident concerns about potential ICE “mock enforcement” actions. The city aims to mirror Santa Clara’s ban, which was enacted ahead of Super Bowl 60, and is developing a specific framework for final council approval by late March. The decision follows similar actions in San José, which restricted ICE operations in municipal parking lots, libraries, and community centers in January.
Why Public Spaces Matter: A Focus on Community Trust
The core argument behind these policies is that public spaces should be safe havens for all members of the community. When residents fear deportation, they may be less likely to participate in essential programs like adult education classes, recreational activities, or even seek assistance from local services. The Heritage Theatre in Campbell, formerly a naturalization ceremony site, exemplifies this concern. The cancellation of long-standing contracts with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in March 2025 due to a “termination for convenience of government” clause, was viewed as a loss of a vital civic space.
Local businesses are also voicing their support. Noemia Butar, an employee at Therapy Stores in Campbell, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment, stating, “We are a foundation of immigrants…We want people to feel seen and heard here. Not scared.”
A County-Wide Trend and Expanding Protections
The city-level actions are part of a broader movement within Santa Clara County. In October, the county restricted ICE from using its properties without a judicial warrant. This layered approach – combining city and county policies – aims to create a more comprehensive network of protection for vulnerable populations.
Councilmember Lopez noted the strong positive response from residents, stating, “This is a very welcoming community and we are proud of our diverse city…I’ve never had so many residents reach out to me positively about a council action. I believe it’s been very reassuring to the community.”
Looking Ahead: Potential for Wider Adoption
The success of these policies in the Bay Area could inspire similar actions in other communities across California and the nation. As concerns about immigration enforcement continue to rise, cities are increasingly exploring ways to protect their residents and uphold their values of inclusivity and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this policy actually do? This policy prevents ICE from using city-owned properties, such as community centers and libraries, to conduct immigration enforcement activities.
Does this indicate ICE is banned from Campbell entirely? No, ICE can still operate in Campbell, but they are restricted from using specific public spaces.
Why are these restrictions being put in place? The goal is to ensure that all residents feel safe and comfortable accessing public services, regardless of their immigration status.
Is this a common trend? Yes, several cities in the Bay Area, including San José and Santa Clara, have implemented similar policies.
What is the role of the Santa Clara County policy? The county policy restricts ICE from using county-owned properties without a judicial warrant, providing an additional layer of protection.
Did you know? Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez also serves as the Chair of the Valley Transportation Authority and on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about local policies and advocate for measures that support inclusivity and protect vulnerable communities.
Want to learn more about local initiatives and community engagement? Visit the City of Campbell website to explore resources and get involved.
