What Is the Sanctuary Ordinance?
The Sanctuary Ordinance, introduced and supported by the Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition, would legally prohibit the use of County resources to aid federal immigration enforcement, except when absolutely required by state or federal law. It builds upon past actions by the Board of Supervisors, including protections for DACA recipients, support for immigrant legal defense, and public opposition to ICE collaboration, by finally codifying these protections into law.
Key provisions include:
- Banning the use of County personnel, time, or funds to assist in ICE operations.
- Preventing county agencies from sharing personal data with ICE unless legally required.
Training county staff on how to respond to ICE requests and protect community members’ rights. - Ensuring transparency through public notifications and signage about data protections in county buildings.
This ordinance reflects the best of Sonoma County’s values: dignity, inclusion, safety, and local accountability.
Why It Matters to SCCA
As an organization rooted in environmental justice and civic engagement, we know that no community can thrive under fear. Immigrant families are often those most vulnerable to environmental degradation, living in wildfire-prone areas, flood zones, or near polluted corridors. They are also among the most resilient and resourceful contributors to our economy, culture, and sustainability efforts.
Yet when local law enforcement collaborates with ICE, even informally, it sends a message: you are not safe here. That fear leads people to avoid calling 911, reporting fires, accessing emergency shelters, or seeking help after domestic violence or wage theft. It breaks the bonds of trust necessary for climate resilience, public health, and safe neighborhoods.
This ordinance ensures that our public institutions serve everyone equally and without fear.
NBOP’s Rapid Response Network: A Model of Community Protection
One of the most effective community responses to federal immigration raids in our region has come from our allies at the North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP). Their North Bay Rapid Response Network (NBRRN) is a volunteer-powered defense force that stands ready to protect families from unjust detention and deportation.
The NBRRN:
- Fields 24/7 calls from community members witnessing or experiencing ICE activity.
- Dispatches trained legal observers to document and de-escalate encounters.
- Connects families with legal services, shelter, and emotional support.
- Educates the public on their rights and empowers residents to protect one another.
SCCA applauds NBOP’s leadership and the deep trust they’ve built in the community. By passing the Sanctuary Ordinance, we ensure that County government aligns with, and does not undermine, this critical work.
Learn more or get involved: www.northbayop.org/nbrrn
This Is About All of Us
Even in a state like California, federal overreach is real. Families in Sonoma County have been torn apart in early morning raids, often with cooperation or silence from local agencies. While existing state laws like the TRUST, TRUTH, and VALUES Acts offer some protections, they are not enough. They leave room for interpretation and inconsistency.
The Sanctuary Ordinance would provide clarity, consistency, and a firm legal shield. It would also align with the Board of Supervisors’ own 2025 resolution reaffirming its commitment to immigrant rights and community safety.
Take Action: Help Pass the Ordinance
Now is the time to act. Here’s what you can do:
- Contact the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and urge them to pass the Sanctuary Ordinance.
- Join a local action or speak out at a hearing organized by the Sanctuary Coalition or NBOP.
- Share this message with friends, family, and neighbors, especially those who may not yet understand what’s at stake.
Sonoma County Conservation Action stands strong with our neighbors and community. We support the Sanctuary Coalition Ordinance to end any and all collaboration by the Sonoma County Sheriff and his officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The time for moral clarity and courage has never been more critical. Pass the ordinance.
