'ICE-free zones' are coming to Alameda County

"Federal immigration agents will not be allowed to use Alameda County-owned property for operations and surveillance. The county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved new rules on Tuesday that bar immigration agents from using county-owned property - including parking lots, garages, and nonpublic areas of buildings - to stage operations, process detainees, or for surveillance. To enforce this policy, county officials explained that they will rely on civil actions, such as cease and desist orders."

"Supervisors also voted to create a comprehensive response plan for dealing with immigration enforcement activity. This will include training and communication protocol for staff and convening county stakeholders for planning meetings. Alameda County's actions on Tuesday put it in alignment with Santa Clara County, which established "ICE-free" zones last fall. San Francisco Supervisors are exploring a similar plan, as are officials in Los Angeles. All four counties have large foreign-born populations, including citizens, lawful residents, and undocumented residents."

""I am really proud to make a motion to ensure Alameda County stands firmly on the right side of justice, democracy, and protecting the dignity and humanity of all our residents," said Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who spearheaded the proposals alongside Supervisor Elisa Márquez."

Alameda County barred federal immigration agents from using county-owned property, including parking lots, garages, and nonpublic areas of buildings, for operations, detainee processing, or surveillance. County officials plan to enforce the restriction through civil measures such as cease-and-desist orders. Supervisors approved development of a comprehensive response plan that includes staff training, communication protocols, and stakeholder planning meetings. The action aligns Alameda with other Bay Area counties restricting ICE activity. The board's vote received strong public support from faith leaders, unions, educators, medical workers, and activists calling for local protections amid federal enforcement concerns.

Read at The Oaklandside