Sacramento unveils proposed resolution to ban immigration enforcement on city land
The Sacramento City Council could ban the use of city-owned property for immigration enforcement after being criticized for its limited response to the federal government’s immigration crackdown.
The council in January passed a separate, updated resolution that, in part, upheld residents’ rights to record Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers. But more than 100 people packed City Hall in January and implored elected officials for stronger action to protect immigrants.
The new resolution, sponsored by Council members Mai Vang, Eric Guerra and Karina Talamantes, is a response to that frustration.
The measure directs City Manager Maraskeshia Smith to ban officials from accessing municipal properties “for purposes of civil immigration-related enforcement activities.” The document also directs her develop a policy offering free signage to “private property owners who seek to restrict civil immigration-related enforcement activity on their property.”
President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered federal immigration authorities to conduct raids, seizing unauthorized migrants. Protests were held in cities across the county, including Sacramento, after agents killed Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in separate incidents in Minneapolis. They died in January.
A resolution is not an ordinance, and has little enforcement power. Advocates expressed disappointment as the city sought a resolution instead of adopting a municipal law.
The resolution also does not offer a timeline for when the policy will be developed, advocates said. The lack of clarity generates uncertainty for when the public will see the city’s action, they added.
“Will they ever make that public information? Will there be a widespread announcement that’s actually functional?” said Moiz Mir, the organizing and advocacy manager for the Asian American Liberation Network.
The resolution also does not outline any penalties for city officials if this work is not completed, said programs director Giselle Garcia, with NorCal Resist.
“Where are the consequences?” she added. “Where is the redress?”
The City Council will consider the resolution at its 2 p.m. City Council meeting on Tuesday.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 3:50 PM.
