March 3, 2026
City Manager's Office
City Attorney’s Office
DATE: March 3, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Shasa Curl, City Manager
Shannon Moore, Interim City Attorney
Kimberly Chin, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Sharrone Taylor, Director of Human Resources
Lisa Melgarejo, Human Resources Analyst Senior
Tim Simmons, Chief of Police
Matthew Stonebreaker, Captain
Aaron Osorio, Fire Chief
Richard Diaz, Emergency Services Manager
Darin Fitzpatrick, Assistant Deputy Director of Public
Works - Operations & Maintenance
Gabino Arredondo, Project Manager
Guadalupe Morales, Associate Management Analyst
Subject: Update Regarding the City’s Ongoing and Planned Efforts Related to Immigration Enforcement Actions
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact for receiving this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
February 3, 2026
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
On February 3, 2026, the City Council directed 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 safeguarding residents from
federal civil immigration enforcement actions, including ICE raids.
AGENDA
REPORT
March 3, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECEIVE an initial report regarding the City’s ongoing and planned efforts related to safeguarding residents
from federal civil immigration enforcement actions,
including U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement
(ICE) raids – City Manager’s Office/City Attorney’s Office (Shasa Curl/Shannon Moore 510-620-6512).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond has a long history of supporting and welcoming immigrant communities. The following staff report is a follow up to the February 3, 2026, City Council meeting where the City Council directed 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 safeguarding residents from federal civil immigration enforcement actions, including ICE raids. City staff members will provide a summary of current protocols and initiatives in progress as well as next steps.
Background
Ordinances and Policies
In 1990, the City Council adopted Ordinance 29-90, Policies for Providing Information to Immigration and Naturalization Services, outlining the role of the City’s Police Department in Immigration and Naturalization matters. In 2018, the Council built on this foundation with Ordinance 12-18, Sanctuary City Contract and Investment Policy, establishing a policy that brought the City into alignment with California’s Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment guidelines.
On March 25, 2025, the Richmond City Council adopted Ordinance 08-25, Limitations on use of City Resources for Immigration Enforcement, which added Chapter 2.30 to the Richmond Municipal Code and strengthened the City’s longstanding Sanctuary City protections. The ordinance reaffirms Richmond’s commitment to equity, safety, and inclusion by limiting the use of City resources for federal immigration enforcement and aligning local policy with the California Values Act (SB 54). It builds upon prior Sanctuary City ordinances (Nos. 29-90 and 12-18) to preserve limited local resources, ensure community security, and uphold community trust.
The ordinance (1) limits the use of City resources, including but not limited to funds, personnel, and property, to assist with federal immigration enforcement unless required by law; (2) restricts the collection and disclosure of immigration status information; and (3) limits compliance with civil immigration detainers, administrative warrants, or release notifications absent a judicial warrant. It also ensures that all residents, regardless of immigration status, may access City services without fear of discrimination and restricts federal immigration officials access to non-public City facilities unless legally mandated.
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While the City cannot prevent federal agencies from conducting immigration enforcement activities, the ordinance affirms Richmond’s authority to determine how local resources are used and reflects the City’s position that public safety is strengthened when all residents feel safe engaging with local government.
Limited Assistance Protocol & City Staff Training
In January 2025, amid heightened concern and national public unrest related to federal immigration enforcement efforts, the City implemented the Limited Assistance Protocol (Protocol). This Protocol clearly delineates areas within city-owned buildings and facilities as restricted, limited, or public, with the primary objective of visually identifying spaces that are inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, including federal immigration officials. In addition, the signage includes a QR code that employees may scan if they encounter immigration enforcement officials at City facilities. The QR code provides step-by-step guidance to City employees.
Comprehensive staff training followed, covering the specifics of the protocol, the legal nuances of warrants, employee rights, and available community resources.
Beyond the Protocol, signage, and regular training sessions, the City has established a dedicated hotline for employees, developed an internal network to review/confirm immigration enforcement activity, and scheduled a series of in-person counseling sessions. Since the initial rollout, the City has expanded the training initiative to address protocols for employees who may encounter federal immigration enforcement activity outside of city-owned buildings and facilities. The first comprehensive training was delivered to R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out with Compassion and Kindness) personnel in January. The training integrated the limited assistance guidelines into their standard curriculum. The City endeavors to ensure employees receive timely guidance, support, knowledge, and resources as they navigate these challenging circumstances.
Strengthening and Clarifying the Limitations of Using City Resources and Property for Federal Immigration Enforcement – Coordinated Plan Implementation Strategy
While amendments to Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.30 to strengthen and clarify the limitations on the use of City resources and property for federal immigration enforcement activities have not yet been formally adopted, the City is developing a draft implementation strategy, entitled Safeguard Richmond Coordinated Response Plan (Plan), to ensure readiness upon adoption of those amendments. This proactive planning effort is intended to align operational procedures, interdepartmental coordination, and community partnerships so that the City can efficiently and effectively implement the final ordinance amendments. Once the ordinance is approved by City Council, the draft implementation strategy will serve as the working framework to operationalize the ordinance’s requirements.
The draft Plan envisions a comprehensive, citywide framework to attempt to safeguard immigrant residents by strengthening preparedness, response protocols, and
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community education and communication related to federal immigration enforcement.
The plan outlines coordinated roles for City departments and recommendations to community-based organizations, legal service providers, schools, neighborhood councils, community clinics, and rapid response networks to ensure that Richmond residents are informed of their rights and supported during enforcement actions. Key components include standardized response protocols for City facilities, Know-Your- Rights education, multilingual outreach and communications plans, partnerships with trusted community messengers, and alignment with California laws to ensure compliance while protecting resident confidentiality.
Regarding communications, City staff have begun evaluating platforms to effectively inform and update the community, building on communication tools currently used across City departments. Initial assessments indicate that the selected platform should support multilingual text messaging and email distribution to ensure timely dissemination of accurate, vetted information regarding immigration resources and updates. Providing reliable information through trusted channels is critical to countering misinformation and ensuring residents receive consistent, accurate guidance.
Staff are currently obtaining cost estimates from platforms such as Constant Contact and CivicPlus, both of which the City has prior experience utilizing. Once a platform is selected and a communications protocol is established, the City will begin building a subscription list through social media, community events, and coordination with immigration legal services providers and public awareness partners to maximize reach within the Richmond community.
The Plan also emphasizes proactive communication, data privacy safeguards, and trauma-informed support for impacted families. Implementation strategies include staff training, public awareness campaigns, collaboration with local legal service providers for immediate consultation and representation, and coordination with rapid response teams to document and monitor enforcement activity. By formalizing these procedures, the City reinforces its commitment to community trust, public safety, and equitable access to services, while reducing fear and disruption among immigrant families.
While the Plan cannot prohibit federal immigration enforcement from acting within City boundaries and City staff cannot lawfully interfere with federal agents executing a valid federal judicial warrant, the ordinance amendments and implementation strategy are designed to ensure compliance with applicable law, protect constitutional rights, and limit voluntary cooperation beyond what is legally required.
City of Richmond Police Department Policies, Training & Community Engagement
Policy 414 of the Richmond Police Department (RPD) establishes the Department’s framework for responding to immigration-related issues in a manner consistent with
March 3, 2026
state and local law, while reinforcing community trust and public safety. The policy makes clear that immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility and that the Richmond Police Department (RPD) does not engage in civil immigration enforcement activities. Officers are directed to focus on criminal law enforcement and community safety, rather than investigating or detaining individuals solely for immigration status.
The policy further limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities in accordance with California law, including the California Values Act (SB 54). RPD officers are prohibited from inquiring into an individual’s immigration status for the purpose of enforcement, participating in immigration raids, or honoring immigration detainers without a judicial warrant. Any communication or information sharing must comply with applicable state and federal legal requirements, and the Department emphasizes the protection of constitutional rights and due process.
Overall, Policy 414 reinforces Richmond’s commitment to equitable policing and community trust by ensuring that immigrant residents can report crimes, seek assistance, and engage with law enforcement without fear that local officers will act as immigration agents. The policy supports public safety by promoting cooperation between immigrant communities and the Police Department, recognizing that trust is essential to effective law enforcement.
RPD officers and supervisors have received training on:
The California Values Act (SB 54)
Legal limitations on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement Departmental expectations related to Policy 414
This training ensures personnel understand the legal framework governing immigration- related issues and reinforces that RPD’s focus is on criminal activity and public safety.
Furthermore, RPD has actively engaged immigrant and diverse communities through:
Community meetings and listening sessions
Participation in neighborhood and cultural events
Partnerships with local nonprofits, advocacy groups, and faith-based organizations
School and youth outreach programs
Public safety forums and resource fairs
These engagements allow RPD to:
Provide education about RPD policies and services
Address concerns related to immigration enforcement
Encourage reporting of crime and victimization
Build long-term relationships with community stakeholders
Prior RPD outreach has included:
The Latina Center – 5 forums
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St. Cornelius Church – 1 forum
The 23rd Street Merchants – 1 forum
Lifelong Medical – 1 forum
West Contra Costa Unified School District – 1 forum
Raza Radio – 1 Forum
Community Resources
Richmond Municipal Identification
The Richmond Municipal Identification (City ID) Card Program provides an opportunity for all Richmond residents with an official photo identification card issued by the City and administered by SF Global LLC. The ID is recognized by all City departments, the Richmond Police Department, and other local agencies as valid proof of identity and residency, helping residents engage with city services and civic life. The program was established through Ordinance No. 16-11 N.S. to improve public safety, increase civic participation, enhance accessibility to services, and support local commerce by filling the gap for residents who lack state or federal identification. Richmond residents can apply by appointment only, either in person at City Hall or via online Zoom meetings, with required documentation proving identity and Richmond residency.
Beyond basic identification, the Richmond City ID offers expanded community benefits.
It can be used to support a California driver’s license application under Assembly Bill 60, contingent on eligibility requirements, by serving as proof of residency, to enroll in classes at Community College, and to purchase tickets or board interstate bus and train services. The card also facilitates access to local services such as food assistance, medical care, shelters, and age-verified activities at participating establishments. By providing an accessible, officially recognized form of ID, the program enhances residents’ ability to participate more fully in the local economy and community life.
City of Richmond Immigrant Legal Services and Public Awareness Campaign
The City of Richmond Immigrant Legal Services and Public Awareness Campaign Program (ILSPAC) was established by the Richmond City Council to expand access to immigration legal services, increase awareness of constitutional rights, and promote stability among immigrant residents. The program responds to the growing need for trusted, high-quality legal representation in a rapidly changing federal immigration landscape. Through partnerships with qualified nonprofit providers, the City supports free or low-cost legal consultations, case screenings, and full-scope representation for eligible, low-income Richmond residents.
Services can include assistance with naturalization, DACA, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), family-based petitions, adjustment of status, U and T visas, asylum applications, and, where appropriate, removal defense representation in immigration court. Legal services are delivered by licensed immigration attorneys and Department of Justice– accredited representatives using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches. Community-based legal clinics are conducted in accessible locations to
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reduce barriers to service and ensure residents can receive individualized guidance and referrals.
In addition to direct legal representation, the program includes robust public awareness and outreach designed to educate residents about their rights and available resources.
Know-Your-Rights workshops, multilingual materials, citizenship preparation courses, and coordinated outreach campaigns are implemented citywide to counter misinformation and empower immigrant families.
Organizations funded through this initiative are:
Multicultural Institute (MI) - Focus Area: Immigrant rights education and community outreach Website: https://mionline.org/ Contact Info: (510) 847- 1479 or (510) 848-4075 ext. 301 [email protected], 3600 Macdonald Avenue
Catholic Charities East Bay (CCEB) - Focus Area: Affirmative immigration legal services and outreach. Examples include U and T visas, DACA, TPS, etc. Website: www.cceb.org, Contact: (510) 768-3100, [email protected] or [email protected], 217 Harbour Way
East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC) - Focus Area: Removal defense and legal consultations Website: https://eastbaysanctuary.org/ Contact: 510- 540-5296, paralegal hotline: 510-646-8484, [email protected]
Though these organizations are being funded by this initiative, City staff has also connected with additional various immigrant legal service providers and community partners to coordinate services and ensure residents have access to accurate information and timely legal support.
Next Steps
Amend Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.30 (CAO)
The City Attorney’s Office is actively working on amendments to Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.30 to strengthen the city’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities. The interim City Attorney has held meetings with City Council members to discuss the amendments’ scope, implementation, and potential impact. The team is targeting a completion date in late March/early April, ensuring ample time for a thorough review before the ordinance is presented for final approval.
Community Input Meetings and Engagement
City staff members are coordinating with key stakeholders and community- based organizations to obtain input and feedback on the draft implementation documents, communication plan, and protocols. Topics to cover include, but are not limited to, communication and platform (s), what types of messages
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the community would receive (the City partners with community stakeholders (e.g. nonprofits, schools, health clinics, etc.) to support the flow of information. To ensure broad engagement, community meetings are scheduled on March 11th at 5:30PM in the City Council Chambers and on March 12th at 1:00 PM via Zoom.
City staff are also working to amend the existing service provider contracts to support community engagement activities and communication, which can include work related to the development and implementation of the notification system in a manner that best serves the Richmond community.
Given the ongoing and changing trajectory of the immigration enforcement landscape, which is being shaped by matters largely outside the City of Richmond, City staff members remain fluid. Therefore, this report provides an initial framework that will continue to evolve. Given the community interest in this matter, it would be helpful for the Mayor to consider appointing a Council ad-hoc that will continue to update implementation documents and protocols with staff as appropriate.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 - Ordinance 29-90
Attachment 2 - Ordinance 12-18
Attachment 3 - Ordinance 08-25
Attachment 4 – RPD Policy 414