CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: September 2, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Mayor Stephen Zollman
City Attorney Alex Mog
Interim City Manager Mary Gourley
Responsible Department: City Administration
Subject: Receipt of request from Liz Finn, on behalf of Sebastopol work group: Anita Grant, Susan McDonough, Jane Lawhon for Amendments to City of Sebastopol Communications Protocol: ICE Activity and/or any other Federal Officials engaged in Immigration Enforcement, Notification and Response. City of Sebastopol has current protocols in place and has recommended amendments as listed in protocols. Staff will return to a future publicly noticed Council meeting with additional information related to costs for training and purchase and installation of signage.
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive the request from Liz Finn, on behalf of Sebastopol work group: Anita Grant, Susan McDonough, Jane Lawhon for Amendments to City of Sebastopol Communications Protocol: ICE Activity and/or any other Federal Officials engaged in Immigration Enforcement, Notification and Response. City of Sebastopol has current protocols in place and has recommended amendments as listed in protocols. Staff will return to a future publicly noticed Council meeting with additional information related to costs for training and purchase and installation of signage.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Sebastopol currently has protocols in place for notification and response related to ICE activity.
Representatives from the Sebastopol Work Group have submitted recommendations for amendments to these protocols for the Council’s consideration.
PROCESS OF AGENDA ITEM:
1. If item remains on consent, no presentation of item is required. Item would be approved as a consent calendar item.
2. If item is removed from the consent calendar; item would be placed at the end of the regular agenda items for discussion following the process below:
a. Presentation of agenda item by the City Attorney
b. Questions and discussion from Councilmembers
c. Public comment period
d. Council deliberation and motion
BACKGROUND:
The Interim City Manager and Mayor Zollman met with representatives from the Sebastopol Work Group and community members to discuss ICE activity. During these meetings, the Work Group requested edits to the City’s existing protocols.
They also discussed Resolution 6127, passed in 2017 to Safeguard the Civil Rights, Dignity and Safety of all residents and are seeking information about its implementation in the current environment of increased federal immigrant enforcement activity.
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
DISCUSSION:
Sebastopol has a strong tradition of embracing diversity and inclusion and respecting the civil and human rights of our residents regardless of their ethnic or national origin, gender identity, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status. The current protocols express those values and follows laws, such as SB 54, which restricts state and local law enforcement's involvement in federal immigration enforcement, limiting their ability to detain, investigate, or transfer individuals based on immigration status.
The City of Sebastopol Police Department (SPD) equally enforces the law and serves the public without consideration of immigration status. The lack of immigration documentation, alone, has no bearing on the manner in which police officers execute their duties. The Department does not detain any individual, for any length of time, for a civil violation of federal immigration laws or a related civil warrant, and individuals who are otherwise ready to be released are not detained solely for notification to immigration authorities. Consistent with adopted protocols and relevant laws and statutes, contacts with members of the public, detentions, and arrests must be based on reasonable suspicion or probable cause, and police officers do not initiate law enforcement action based solely on observations related to a subject’s actual or perceived immigration status. Sebastopol PD also does not participate with Federal agents seeking to enforce Federal civil immigration law or to target individuals for detention or forced relocation based upon their actual or perceived religious affiliation, race, sex, ethnic or national origin, gender identity, age, disability, or other status. Nevertheless, any individual who is arrested for committing a crime will continue to be charged and/or referred to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution irrespective of his/her immigration status.
Per the current protocols:
IV. Role of Local Law Enforcement
A. Sebastopol Police Department (SPD) Personnel:
1. Shall not participate in civil immigration enforcement.
2. May only assist ICE in:
o Response to an immediate and credible threat to public safety o Joint criminal investigations with judicial authorization
3. All assistance must comply with:
o SB 54
o Other applicable state laws and City policies
The Working Group’s proposal is attached for your information.
STAFF (RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT) ANALYSIS:
The Sebastopol Police Department acknowledges that immigration enforcement is a sensitive issue for many members of our community, and it is important to us that we communicate our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members, regardless of their immigration status.
We want to make it explicitly clear that the Sebastopol Police Department does not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement operations. This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as inquiring about a person’s immigration status, detaining individuals based on federal immigration detainers, assisting in immigration enforcement investigations, or sharing information with federal agencies related to an individual’s immigration status.
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
Our policies are in full alignment with California state laws that are designed to protect the rights of all residents, including those who are undocumented. Below are some of the key laws that guide our practices and ensure that local law enforcement agencies do not engage in federal immigration enforcement:
1. California Values Act (SB 54) prohibits state and local law enforcement from detaining individuals based solely on federal immigration detainers or transferring them to Immigration and Custom Enforcement (I.C.E.) custody without a valid federal or state warrant. This law also prevents us from asking individuals about their immigration status and restricts the use of agency resources for immigration enforcement purposes including interrogation, investigation, detention, detection, or arrest for immigration-related matters.
2. TRUTH Act (AB 2792) provides additional transparency by requiring that local law enforcement inform individuals in custody of their rights before I.C.E. agents interview them. Specifically, we are required to provide a written consent form to individuals before any interview by I.C.E. agents.
3. TRUST Act (AB 4) prohibits local law enforcement from detaining individuals on the basis of an I.C.E. hold alone once they are eligible for release, except in certain cases where the individual has been charged with or convicted of specific serious crimes. This ensures that individuals are not held in custody simply due to their immigration status.
Our commitment to these laws reflects our dedication to fostering trust between local law enforcement and the diverse communities we serve. It is our responsibility to protect and serve everyone in the City of Sebastopol, regardless of their immigration status. By upholding these legal standards, we ensure that all individuals can engage with law enforcement without fear of immigration-related consequences, and that everyone, regardless of background, can feel safe in their communities.
We want to emphasize that the Sebastopol Police Department are focused on public safety and crime prevention.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER ANALYSIS:
While the City Council may adopt overarching policies, City protocols governing staff conduct are under the jurisdiction of the City Manager. However, the City recognizes the concerns of the community and that enforcement of civil immigration laws by local police agencies raises many complex legal, logistical and resource issues for the City and detracts from the core mission of the Sebastopol Police Department to create safe communities. Therefore to enhance the safety of our community, and increase transparency of the role of the City and Police Department regarding ICE notification and protocols, the City is agreeable to certain recommendations to the current protocols immediately but will need additional time to review costs for staffing and signage for City wide departments. In short, the current protocol is a streamlined, ICE-specific version focusing on internal Sebastopol Police Department response, while the Proposed Working Group draft is broader, and includes multiple layers of staff training, signage, and external coordination.
City staff has reviewed the proposal and is agreeable to changes as noted in red and yellow highlight in the attached document.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS/PRIORITIES; AND/OR GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
This agenda item represents the City Council goals/priorities as follows:
Goal 4: HIGH PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATION
Restoring public trust
Improve Public Communications
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
Enhance Sebastopol as a great place to live that values community health and well-being. Preserve Sebastopol’s unique character.
Strengthen the public’s safety and improve the quality of life. Includes supporting our first responders (police, fire, public works), responding to emergencies, protecting people, property, and businesses, and engaging in emergency preparedness community outreach, public education and prevention activities.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
This item has been noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to schedule meeting date. The City has also used social media to promote and advertise the City Council Meeting Agenda Items.
As of the writing of this agenda item report, the City has not received public comment. If staff receives public comments following the publication and distribution of this agenda item report, such comments will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting and will be posted to the city website.
FISCAL IMPACT:
City staff would need to review costs for City wide staff training and purchase and installation of signage.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive the request from Liz Finn, on behalf of Sebastopol work group: Anita Grant, Susan McDonough, Jane Lawhon for Amendments to City of Sebastopol Communications Protocol: ICE Activity and/or any other Federal Officials engaged in Immigration Enforcement, Notification and Response. City of Sebastopol has current protocols in place and has recommended amendments as listed in protocols. Staff will return to a future publicly noticed Council meeting with additional information related to costs for training and purchase and installation of signage.
OPTIONS:
1. Deny the request for recommended edits from the Sebastopol Working Group and provide further direction to staff.
2. Approve all of the proposed amendments from the Working Group ATTACHMENTS:
Current City of Sebastopol Protocols
Proposed DRAFT Sebastopol Working Group Protocols
Recommended Protocols (red/yellow highlight)
Resolution 6127
Know Your Rights Brochure
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 8-28-2025
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 8-28-2025 The proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial): Approval Date: 8-28-2025 Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No XX N/A (Staff will need to determine costs for signs and training
Account Code (f applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: 8-28-2025
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 8-28-2025
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
CURRENT PROTOCOL:
City of Sebastopol Communications Protocol: ICE Activity Notification and Response I. Initial Notification Protocol to Police Department (Chief) A. Upon Receiving a Call or Email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE: City staff must ask the following questions (noting ICE may choose not to respond):
1. Is this an operation by ICE?
2. If yes, which ICE division is conducting the operation?
3. What is the nature of the operation? Will arrests or detentions be made?
4. Do you have a judicial warrant signed by a judge?
o If yes, can you send a copy to: [[email protected]]
5. Who is the supervising officer or contact for follow-up? o Request name, title, and contact information.
B. Internal Notification
• Upon receiving any information, staff must notify the Police Chief immediately.
II. Communications with Press and Media
A. Media Inquiries
1. The Police Chief shall notify the City Manager/Acting City Manager of any press/media inquiries.
2. The City Manager/Acting City Manager will determine whether the response will come from:
o The Police Chief, or
o The City Manager/Acting City Manager
3. The responder shall:
o Coordinate with the City Attorney prior to releasing any statement.
4. City Councilmembers may speak to the press only as individuals but not on behalf of the City.
III. A. Notification Protocol (Internal & Council)
A. Upon Credible Report or Confirmation of ICE Activity:
• The Police Chief shall immediately notify the City Manager/Acting City Manager • Notification must include:
o Location, time, and nature of the activity (if known) (Use general area for internal use; do not publicize exact locations) o Whether ICE requested local support
(Only permitted if compliant with City policy and California law) o Any public safety concerns
o Whether the operation appears related to immigration enforcement Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
B. City Manager/Acting City Manager May Brief:
• City Council
• Affected City Departments
• Legal Counsel
III. B. Public Communication Protocol
A. Criteria for Public Statement:
If ICE activity:
• May affect public confidence,
• Causes fear or disruption,
• Poses concern to community operations,
The City Manager/Acting City Manager, in coordination with the Police Chief and City Attorney, may issue a public statement.
B. Statement Requirements:
• Must be:
o Fact-based
o Non-alarmist
o Aligned with City values of inclusion and service to all residents • A draft statement must be shared with City Council (one-way communication) prior to release.
C. Sample Public Statement:
The City of Sebastopol has received reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operating in the greater Sonoma County region.
At this time, there is no indication that ICE is conducting immigration enforcement within the City of Sebastopol.
Sebastopol does not assist in civil immigration enforcement except as required by law. Our Police Department does not participate in immigration raids and remains committed to serving all residents—regardless of immigration status.
What We Want You to Know:
• The City is monitoring the situation and will provide updates if necessary. • Know your rights: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights • City services remain open and accessible to all residents.
Community Support Resources:
• North Bay Organizing Project: (707) 347-9006
• California Rural Legal Assistance: (707) 528-9941
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
Sebastopol remains a city committed to inclusion, dignity, and safety for everyone.
IV. Role of Local Law Enforcement
A. Sebastopol Police Department (SPD) Personnel:
1. Shall not participate in civil immigration enforcement.
2. May only assist ICE in:
o Response to an immediate and credible threat to public safety o Joint criminal investigations with judicial authorization
3. All assistance must comply with:
o SB 54
o Other applicable state laws and City policies
V. Documentation and Reporting
• SPD must document:
o All contacts or observations involving ICE.
• A written summary report must be submitted to the City Manager/Acting City Manager within 48 hours of the incident.
VI. Training
• The Police Chief is responsible for ensuring annual training for SPD personnel on:
o SB 54 and other applicable laws
o This ICE notification and response policy
o Community-informed practices and public communications protocols Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
1 To: Mary Gourley, Acting City Manager
Stephen Zollman, Mayor
Date: July 17, 2025
From: The Sanctuary Coalition, Sebastopol Workgroup
City of Sebastopol Communications Protocol: ICE Activity and/or any other Federal Officials engaged in Immigration Enforcement, Notification and Response I. Initial Notification Protocol to Police Department (Chief) A. Upon Receiving a Call or Email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE or any other Federal Immigration Officials, City staff must ask the following questions (noting federal immigration officials may choose not to respond):
Is this an ICE operation/Federal Immigration Officials? If yes, which federal agency is conducting the operation? What is the nature of the operation? Will arrests or detentions be made? Do you have a federal judicial warrant signed by a judge naming specific individual and location?
If yes, send a copy to [email protected]
Who is the supervising immigration officer or contact for follow-up? Request name, title, contact information.
B. Internal Notification
Upon receiving any information, the staff person who receives the call or email must immediately notify the designated staff person who then must notify the Police Chief immediately.
The designated city official (non-police) immediately notifies the North Bay Rapid Response Network designated contact person.
II. Communications with Press and Media
A. Media Inquiries
The Police Chief shall notify the City Manager/Acting City Manager of any press/media inquiries;
The City Manager/Acting City Manager will determine whether the response will come from the Police Chief or the City Manager;
The responder shall coordinate with the City Attorney prior to releasing any statement.
City Council members may speak to the press only as individuals but not on behalf of the city.
III. Notification Protocol (Internal and Council)
A. Upon Credible Report or Confirmation of ICE/Other Federal immigration officials activity, The Police Chief shall immediately notify the City Manager/Acting City Manager.
Notification must include:
Location (use general area for internal use; do not publicize exact locations), Whether ICE or other federal immigration officials requested local support (permitted only if compliant with City policy and California law), Any public safety concerns,
Whether the operation appears related to immigration enforcement.
B. City Manager/Acting City Manager May Brief:
City Council, Affected City Departments, Legal Counsel.
IV. Public Communication Protocol
A. Criteria for Issuance of Public Statement:
If ICE/other federal immigration officials’ activity,
May affect public confidence,
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
2 Causes fear or disruption,
Poses concern to community operations,
The City Manager/Acting City Manager, in coordination with the Police Chief and City attorney may issue a public statement.
B. Statement Requirements Must Be:
Fact Based
Non-Alarmist
Aligned with City values of inclusion and service to all residents (e.g., no criminalization of people based on immigration status).
A draft statement must be shared with City Council (one-way communication) prior to release.
C. Sample Public Statement
The City of Sebastopol has received reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE operating in the greater Sonoma County region.
At this time, there is no indication that ICE is conducting immigration enforcement within the City of Sebastopol.
Sebastopol does not assist in civil immigration enforcement except as required by law. Our Police Department does not participate in immigration raids and remains committed to serving all residents, regardless of immigration status.
What We Want You to Know:
* The City in monitoring the situation and will provide updates if necessary. * Know Your Rights: https//www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights * City services remain open and accessible to all residents. * Sebastopol remains a city committed to inclusion, dignity and safety for everyone.
Community Support Resources
If you see possible ICE/Federal Immigration Officials or need information of legal service providers, call the North Bay Rapid Response Network Hotline: 707-800-4544.
For legal assistance call: [See appendix A: Sonoma County Legal Service Providers for Immigrants] V. Role of Local Law Enforcement
A. Sebastopol Police Department (SPD) Personnel:
Shall not participate in civil immigration enforcement; May only assist ICE in
Response to an immediate and credible threat to public safety, Joint criminal investigations with judicial authorization.
All assistance must comply with
SB 54 California Values Act,
Other applicable state laws and City policies.
VI. Documentation and Reporting
SPD must document
All contacts or observations involving ICE/other federal immigration officials; Submit written report of all contacts and enforcement activity must be submitted to City Manager/Acting City Manager within 48 hours of the incident.
City Manager/Acting City Manager shall forward copies of the written reports to the Rapid Response Network designated contact within 48 hours of receiving the report.
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
3 VII. Regular Trainings are required to ensure the broader protection of all residents of Sebastopol.
The Police Chief is responsible for ensuring training for SPD personnel on:
SB54 and other applicable laws,
ICE or other federal immigration officials notification and response policy, Community-informed practices and public communications protocols.
The City shall provide all staff/managers/supervisors in all offices and community facilities regular (at least quarterly) training utilizing community resources for trainers such as Sonoma County Secure Families, VIDAS, Sonoma County Legal AID, etc.
Trainings to include and not limited to:
City Protocols for interactions with ICE/other federal immigration officials, including role plays and scripts;
Provide examples of different kinds of warrants, judicial and administrative; Notification of North Bay Rapid Response Network (NBRRN) designated contact; Role of NBRRN and how it works;
Know Your Rights - KYR and role plays;
Community & Legal Resources for Immigrant Protection;
Staff will be provided with a detailed procedural pamphlet w/ sample warrants for reference;
Provide clear delineation of private & public spaces - private access with judicial warrant only;
Manager must obtain necessary identifying information, type of warrant, name, date, location of search warrant and official in charge. Make a copy or take photo of the warrant.
Direct staff that they are prohibited to share any information regarding targeted individual, but shall advise that individual of right to remain silent and speak to a lawyer;
Follow specific procedures for targeted individual who will document and notify police and NBRRN designated contact.
VIII. Signage
Post welcoming signs (in languages that reflect the community) in offices and community spaces according to Resolution 6127 Safeguarding the Civil Rights, Safety and Dignity of all residents that state:
All residents regardless of immigration status are welcome; City police do not participate in raids or assist in civil immigration enforcement except as required by law.
Prepare for potential activity by ICE/other federal immigration officials by designating and marking private and public areas clearly.
Display Know Your Rights (KYR) posters and cards in offices and city facilities.
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
1 COMBINED CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY PROTOCOLS AND The Sanctuary Coalition, Sebastopol Workgroup
Items Highlighted in Yellow are Additions requested by the Working Group. Text Highlighted in Red and Highlighted in Yellow are Recommended Changes supported by the City:
City of Sebastopol Communications Protocol: ICE Activity and/or any other Federal Officials engaged in Immigration Enforcement, Notification and Response
I. Initial Notification Protocol to Police Department (Chief) A. Upon Receiving a Call or Email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE or any other Federal Immigration Officials, City staff must ask the following questions (noting federal immigration officials may choose not to respond):
Is this an ICE operation/Federal Immigration Officials? If yes, which federal agency is conducting the operation? What is the nature of the operation? Will arrests or detentions be made? Do you have a federal judicial warrant signed by a judge naming specific individual and location?
If yes, send a copy to [email protected]
Who is the supervising immigration officer or contact for follow-up? Request name, title, contact information.
B. Internal Notification
Upon receiving any information, the staff person who receives the call or email must immediately notify the designated staff person who then must notify the Police Chief immediately.
The designated city official (non-police) immediately notifies the North Bay Rapid Response Network designated contact person.
II. Communications with Press and Media
A. Media Inquiries
The Police Chief shall notify the City Manager/Acting City Manager of any press/media inquiries;
The City Manager/Acting City Manager will determine whether the response will come from the Police Chief or the City Manager;
The responder shall coordinate with the City Attorney prior to releasing any statement.
City Council members may speak to the press only as individuals but not on behalf of the city.
III. Notification Protocol (Internal and Council)
A. Upon Credible Report or Confirmation of ICE/Other Federal immigration officials activity, The Police Chief shall immediately notify the City Manager/Acting City Manager.
Notification must include:
Location, time and nature of activity (use general area for internal use; do not publicize exact locations),
Whether ICE or other federal immigration officials requested local support (permitted only if compliant with City policy and California law), Any public safety concerns,
Whether the operation appears related to immigration enforcement.
B. City Manager/Acting City Manager May Brief:
City Council, Affected City Departments, Legal Counsel.
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
2 IV. Public Communication Protocol
A. Criteria for Issuance of Public Statement:
If ICE/other federal immigration officials’ activity,
May affect public confidence,
Causes fear or disruption,
Poses concern to community operations,
The City Manager/Acting City Manager, in coordination with the Police Chief and City attorney may issue a public statement.
B. Statement Requirements Must Be:
Fact Based
Non-Alarmist
Aligned with City values of inclusion and service to all residents (e.g., no criminalization of people based on immigration status).
Not include confidential information
A draft statement must be shared with City Council (one-way communication) prior to release.
C. Sample Public Statement
The City of Sebastopol has received reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE operating in the greater Sonoma County region.
At this time, there is no indication that ICE is conducting immigration enforcement within the City of Sebastopol.
Sebastopol does not assist in civil immigration enforcement except as required by law. Our Police Department does not participate in immigration raids and remains committed to serving all residents, regardless of immigration status.
What We Want You to Know:
* The City in monitoring the situation and will provide updates if necessary. * Know Your Rights: https//www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights * City services remain open and accessible to all residents. * Sebastopol remains a city committed to inclusion, dignity and safety for everyone.
Community Support Resources
If you see possible ICE/Federal Immigration Officials or need information of legal service providers, call the North Bay Rapid Response Network Hotline: 707-800-4544.
For legal assistance call: [See appendix A: Sonoma County Legal Service Providers for Immigrants] V. Role of Local Law Enforcement
A. Sebastopol Police Department (SPD) Personnel:
Shall not participate in civil immigration enforcement; May only assist ICE in
Response to an immediate and credible threat to public safety, Joint criminal investigations with judicial authorization.
All assistance must comply with
SB 54 California Values Act,
Other applicable state laws and City policies.
VI. Documentation and Reporting
SPD must document
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
3 All contacts or observations involving ICE/other federal immigration officials; Submit written report of all contacts and enforcement activity must be submitted to City Manager/Acting City Manager within 48 hours of the incident.
City Manager/Acting City Manager shall forward copies of the written reports to the Rapid Response Network designated contact within 48 hours of receiving the report.
VII. Regular Trainings are required to ensure the broader protection of all residents of Sebastopol.
The Police Chief is responsible for ensuring annual training for SPD personnel on:
SB54 and other applicable laws,
ICE or other federal immigration officials notification and response policy, Community-informed practices and public communications protocols.
The City shall provide all staff/managers/supervisors in all offices and community facilities regular (at least quarterly) training utilizing community resources for trainers such as Sonoma County Secure Families, VIDAS, Sonoma County Legal AID, etc.
Trainings to include and not limited to:
City Protocols for interactions with ICE/other federal immigration officials, including role plays and scripts;
Provide examples of different kinds of warrants, judicial and administrative; Notification of North Bay Rapid Response Network (NBRRN) designated contact; Role of NBRRN and how it works;
Know Your Rights - KYR and role plays;
Community & Legal Resources for Immigrant Protection;
Staff will be provided with a detailed procedural pamphlet w/ sample warrants for reference;
Provide clear delineation of private & public spaces - private access with judicial warrant only;
Manager must obtain necessary identifying information, type of warrant, name, date, location of search warrant and official in charge. Make a copy or take photo of the warrant.
Direct staff that they are prohibited to share any information regarding targeted individual, but shall advise that individual of right to remain silent and speak to a lawyer; Follow specific procedures for targeted individual who will document and notify police and NBRRN designated contact.
VIII. Signage (Staff is open to signage but will need to review costs) Post welcoming signs (in languages that reflect the community) in offices and community spaces according to Resolution 6127 Safeguarding the Civil Rights, Safety and Dignity of all residents that state:
All residents regardless of immigration status are welcome; City police do not participate in raids or assist in civil immigration enforcement except as required by law.
Prepare for potential activity by ICE/other federal immigration officials by designating and marking private and public areas clearly.
Display Know Your Rights (KYR) posters and cards in offices and city facilities.
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
RESOLUTION NO 6127
A RESOLUTION OF THE CIry COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL DECLARING ITSELF AN INDIVISIBLE CITY AND SAFEGUARDING THE CIVIL RIGHTS, SAFETY AND DIGNIry OF ALL
SEBASTOPOL RESIDENTS
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastopol is made up of diverse individuals, both native born and immigrants, whose collective cultures, religions, backgrounds, orientations, abilities and viewpoints join to form a highly pluralistic community that prides itself on being a place that welcomes persons and families of all walks of life; and
WHEREAS, since the presidential election, there has been a sense of uncertainty and fear among many communities in Sebastopol, across our State and across the Nation; and WHEREAS, the City of Sebastopol assures its vulnerable communities that the City supports them, will do all it can to maintain and improve their quality of life, and will not tolerate acts of hate, discrimination, bullying, or harassmenU and
WHEREAS, it has been for many years and continues to be the policy of the Sebastopol Police Department to foster a collaborative relationship with the city of Sebastopol's residents including all members of its diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, the Sebastopol Police Department has been a leader in Sonoma County in reaching out to the immigrant community to foster trust and respect; and
WHEREAS, it has been and shall continue to be the Sebastopol Police Department's policy not to engage in Federal immigration enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the Sebastopol City Council wishes to declare that Sebastopol is a safe place for everyone, including, but not limited to, immigrants from all countries, people of color, people of all religions, gender identity, sexual orientation, people with disabilities and allvulnerable communities; and WHEREAS, it is the City Council's desire to ensure that its immigrant residents participate in civic life and daily activities without fear of being arrested or detained by, or reported to the United States lmmigration and Customs Enforcement agency based solely on immigration status; and WHEREAS, many children who are native to the United States or are undocumented immigrants have been separated from their families by United States lmmigration & Customs Enforcement Agency solely due to their parents' or their personal immigration status; and WHEREAS, the enforcement of civil immigration laws by local police agencies raises many complex legal, logistical and resource issues for the City, including undermining the trust and cooperation with immigrant communities, increasing the risk of civil liability due to the complexity of civil immigration laws and the lack of training and expertise of local police on civil immigration enforcement and detracting from the core mission of the Sebastopol Police Department to create safe communities; and WHEREAS, the City Council is greatly concerned about public safety in Sebastopol and the mission of the Sebastopol Police Department is to protect the safety of the public against crimes committed by persons whoever they may be; and
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
WHEREAS, most residents in the City, including the vast majority of immigrants, are law-abiding individuals, and are, when crimes occur, themselves the victims of crime, and because the City wishes to foster trust and cooperation as between the City, its police department, and its immigrant communities, and wishes to encourage immigrants to report crime and speak to the police without fear of being arrested or detained by, or reported to the United States lmmigration and Customs Enforcement agency; and WHEREAS, consistent with the law and with Council policy, the Sebastopol Police Department already declines to enforce federal civil immigration laws, does not conduct immigration raids, and does not question, detain or arrest individuals on the sole basis that they might be in this country illegally in violation of Federal civil immigration laws.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE lT RESOLVED, as follows, the City Council of the City of Sebastopol SECTION 1. That the Sebastopol City Council calls upon all City residents and all City Departments and employees to speak out against acts of bullying, discrimination and hate violence and to stand up for those who are targeted for such acts.
SECTION 2. That the Sebastopol City Council opposes deportations based solely on immigration status, and calls upon the federal government to promptly legislate a pathway to citizenship for law-abiding undocumented immigrants, and to refrain from deportations of immigrants who have not been convicted of felonies endangering the community, until such time as the U.S. Congress does legislate such a pathway.
SECTION 3. That City employees, including members of the Sebastopol Police Department, shall not enforce Federal civil immigration laws and shall not use city monies, resources or personnel to investigate, question, detect, detain or apprehend persons solely on the basis of a possible violation of immigration law.
SECTION 4. That the Sebastopol City Council calls upon the County of Sonoma and all incorporated cities within the County of Sonoma to adopt the foregoing policies, and we welcome opportunities to partner withtheLegislature,otherjurisdictions, localorganizations, andbusinessesthatsupportanddefendthese popu lations.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and it shall become effective immediately upon its approval.
lN COUNCIL DULY PASSED this 21't day February,2OtT.
VOTE:
Ayes: Councilmembers Gurney, Hinton, Vice Mayor Slayter and Mayor Glass Noes: None
Abstain: Councilmember Carnacchi
Absent: None
lass
ATTEST:
M Gou Assistant C Manag Clerk, MMC
D
a
ayor Una
APPROVED AS TO FORM
rry City Attorney
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025
Sebastopol remains a city
committed to inclusion, dignity,
and safety for everyone.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Know your rights: www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights Currently, many immigrant residents are facing fear and uncertainty. These concerns are shared by community members in Sebastopol who care about the safety and well-being of our entire community. As City leaders, we want every resident to feel welcome, safe, and supported. Below are important rights and resources to help.
SEBASTOPOL DOES NOT ASSIST in civil immigration enforcement except as required by law. Our Police Department does not participate in immigration raids and remains committed to serving all residents—regardless of immigration status.
Legal Aid of Sonoma County addresses crisis needs,
including housing issues, barriers to health and employment, domestic violence and elder abuse restraining orders,
guardianships and emergency preparedness for families at risk of detention or deportation.
Your home is protected: Immigration officials cannot
enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge.
The warrant must also clearly state the judge’s jurisdiction.
A warrant without a judge’s signature is not valid.
You are safe to call 911: If you are a victim or witness of a crime, you should always feel safe calling the
Sebastopol Police Department. Officers are not allowed
to ask about your immigration status, and your status does not affect how they respond. Our goal is for all residents to feel safe at home, school, and work.
The Rapid Response Network provides a 24-hour hotline
to residents who experience or witness ICE activity,
dispatches trained legal observers to the location, confirms presence of ICE in our neighborhoods, and follows up with families following an ICE raid.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT RESOURCES:
LEGAL AID OF SONOMA COUNTY
(707) 542-1290
legalaidsc.org
NORTH BAY RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK
(707) 800-4544
northbayop.org/immigrant-defense
• North Bay Rapid Response: (707) 800-4544
• California Rural Legal Assistance: (707) 528-9941
Agenda Item Number: 5
Agenda Item Number: 5
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: eptember 2, 2025