4 North Second Street, Suite 1300 | San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-293-4790 | Fax: 408-293-0106 | lawfoundation.org Advancing Justice
Housing | Health | Children & Youth
October 28, 2025
San José City Council
c/o Office of City Clerk
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
Dear Members of the San Jose City Council Rules Committee,
I am writing to urge your strong support for two items on the Oct 28th City Council agenda:
• 3.9 Restricting Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities on Certain City Properties and Facilities from the memo by Councilmembers Ortiz, Campos, Candelas, Cohen, and Kamei
• 4.1 Ordinance Prohibiting Law Enforcement Officers from Concealing their Identities in the City of San José from the memo by Councilmembers Ortiz, Candelas and Kamei
These policies are important to me, my organization, and my community because it helps ensure that all residents—regardless of immigration status—can access essential city services and spaces without fear, fostering trust and safety within the community.
Our community needs the City Council to provide strong leadership to support the most vulnerable people, not only in words but also in policy and action.
Re. 3.9, we applaud the coordination between the City and County to preserve City and County property for City, County and local community purposes and to restrict use by federal immigration enforcement. We urge other jurisdictions in our county and region to follow this leadership to protect our community across the Bay Area.
Please direct the City Manager and City Attorney to conduct an inventory and assessment and draft a strong ordinance with a clear reporting protocol as soon as possible.
Re. 4.1, the City Council unanimously approved the memo on Sept 30. Now we need you to approve the ordinance developed by the City Attorney to prohibit all law enforcement
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley | 4 North Second Street, Suite 1300 | San Jose, CA 95113 operating in San Jose from concealing their identities. ICE and other federal agents have conducted immigration enforcement without wearing masks for many years. Masks are not essential for their work, and they have only recently started wearing masks.
Both of these ordinances will also strengthen community trust in local government at a time when many residents are experiencing heightened threats and fear, so it is especially critical that they know they can trust and utilize City services.
We hope we can count on your support for both items and your strong leadership to protect the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community so that San Jose is truly a Welcoming City.
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
Cynthia Chagolla
Chief Program Officer