February 3, 2026
City Council
DATE: February 3, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Vice-Mayor Doria Robinson
Subject:
ICE-Free Zone Ordinance and Citywide Protocol
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed action will require staff time and resources for legal review, policy analysis, and preparation of a draft ordinance. At this time, no direct costs or revenue changes are anticipated, as the action is limited to
ordinance development rather than implementation.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Richmond Limiting the Use of City Resources for Federal
Immigration Enforcement - March 25, 2025, Ordinance
No. 29-90 and Ordinance No. 12-18
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Recent national developments, including increased
federal immigration enforcement actions and National
Guard deployments in civilian contexts, have raised
concerns about the use of local government resources
and property for federal civil immigration enforcement.
While the Richmond Municipal Code already includes
limitations on the use of City resources and property to assist with federal immigration efforts and the City has already established an encounter protocol, additional
clarity, preparedness, and operational guidance are
needed to ensure City facilities, staff, and residents are protected and informed.
The proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) Free Zone Ordinance would formally
prohibit the use of City-owned or City-controlled property AGENDA
REPORT
February 3, 2026
for federal civil immigration enforcement activities,
establish non-cooperation and resource-denial protocols, and direct the City to implement a coordinated
community preparedness and communications.
framework. This action is intended to promote public
trust, and ensure that residents receive timely, accurate information during emergency or enforcement-related
events
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT the City Manager and City Attorney to report to
the City Council on March 3, 2026, regarding the City’s ongoing and planned efforts related to federal civil
immigration enforcement actions, including ICE raids,
and to return within 45 days with a proposed ICE-Free
Zone Ordinance: The proposed ordinance shall restrict
the use of City-owned or City-controlled property,
facilities, personnel, and resources for federal civil
immigration enforcement; establish non-cooperation and
resource-denial policies consistent with applicable law; and require the development of a coordinated
implementation strategy, including interdepartmental
protocols, staff training, and a community-facing
preparedness and communications plan -
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565)/Vice
Mayor Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
DISCUSSION:
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.30 prohibits the use of City property to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law, among other things. However, recent events in other jurisdictions—including National Guard deployments in Minneapolis and curfews imposed in Los Angeles—highlight the need for enhanced local preparedness, clear operational boundaries, and proactive communication.
Cities such as Chicago have implemented U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Free Zone policies that include clear signage on City property, physical access controls, and reporting requirements when federal immigration enforcement attempts to use municipal facilities. These measures provide clarity to City staff, residents, and federal agencies alike.
ICE Free Zone Ordinance
The proposed ordinance would prohibit City-owned or City-controlled property from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement purposes. City departments would be directed to identify all applicable properties, install signage stating that such property may not be used for immigration enforcement, and implement access controls where
February 3, 2026
feasible. Any attempted use of City property for immigration enforcement would be immediately reported to the City Manager, Mayor’s Office, and City Attorney.
Non-Cooperation and Resource Denial
Consistent with existing law, the ordinance would clarify that City employees and resources may not be used to assist federal civil immigration enforcement beyond what is legally required. This includes refusing deputization, denying logistical support, and limiting cooperation with National Guard units unless explicitly authorized by law.
Community Preparedness and Emergency Planning
Given Richmond’s limited hospital capacity, the City would explore readiness of libraries, recreation centers, and community centers to serve as emergency shelters or clinics during protests, natural disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies. City staff would also pursue coordination with healthcare providers, labor unions, and volunteer networks to build emergency medical capacity.
Neighborhood-based preparedness strategies would be emphasized, including block- by-block planning, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) participation, and distribution of preparedness packets with emergency contacts, immigrant defense resources, unhoused services, food distribution, rental assistance, and Red Cross information.
Communications and Public Information
The ordinance would direct the City to establish clear communications protocols, including rapid public notifications in the event of ICE activity or National Guard presence within Richmond. This may include investment in a city-wide text alert system, multilingual materials, press releases, coordination with local media, and outreach through faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None