Originally adopted in June 2019, Oakland’s Sanctuary City policy was a response to federal immigration enforcement efforts during the Trump administration. With a new wave of aggressive federal actions targeting immigrant communities, local leaders are urging the City Council to formally reinforce and update the policy to meet current challenges.
Oakland, CA — Community leaders, advocates, and residents will gather on March 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1023 Peralta Street, Oakland, to call on the City of Oakland to reaffirm and strengthen its City of Refuge policy through a new ordinance that reflects today’s realities and closes existing loopholes. The action underscores Oakland’s long-standing commitment to protect immigrant and refugee communities and ensure that all residents can live without fear of deportation or discrimination.
The proposed reaffirmation would:
- Formally reinforce Oakland’s commitment to being a City of Refuge.
- Send a clear message to city staff, community members, and federal agencies such as ICE that Oakland will not assist in immigration enforcement.
- Protect immigrant and refugee communities from fear and confusion, empowering them to seek help, report crimes, and continue their daily lives without intimidation.
- Inspire neighboring cities to adopt similar protections, strengthening regional solidarity.
- Mitigate potential crises seen in other states, such as Minnesota, where aggressive federal activity has led to terrorized communities and instability.
The new ordinance will build upon, not replace, Oakland’s existing sanctuary framework. It will prohibit the use of city property for non-city purposes, including roads, public transit, parks, schools, hospitals, law enforcement stations, and the Oakland airport, for any form of immigration enforcement.
By consolidating and codifying these provisions into the Oakland Municipal Code, the reaffirmed policy will make refuge protections official city law. All city departments will be legally required to comply with and be held accountable to the ordinance, ensuring that Oakland’s values of inclusion, safety, and justice are upheld in every corner of the city.
About the Action
The March 30 Immigration Action brings together community organizations, faith leaders, and local officials united in the belief that Oakland must continue to lead with compassion and courage. The reaffirmation of the City of Refuge policy is a proactive step to safeguard the city’s diverse communities and uphold its legacy as a place of refuge and resistance.