On Tuesday, the Richmond City Council will consider an ICE-Free Zone Ordinance and a citywide protocol within the City of Richmond.
The proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Free Zone Ordinance would formally prohibit the use of City-owned or City-controlled property for federal civil immigration enforcement activities, establish non-cooperation and resource-denial protocols, and direct the City to implement a coordinated community preparedness and communications. framework.
The item was brought forward by Councilmember Claudia Jimenz and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson who say this action is intended to promote public trust, and ensure that residents receive timely, accurate information during emergency or enforcement-related events
According to the agenda item:
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.30 prohibits the use of City property to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law, among other things. However, recent events in other jurisdictions—including National Guard deployments in Minneapolis and curfews imposed in Los Angeles—highlight the need for enhanced local preparedness, clear operational boundaries, and proactive communication.
Cities such as Chicago have implemented U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Free Zone policies that include clear signage on City property, physical access controls, and reporting requirements when federal immigration enforcement attempts to use municipal facilities. These measures provide clarity to City staff, residents, and federal agencies alike.
ICE Free Zone Ordinance
The proposed ordinance would prohibit City-owned or City-controlled property from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement purposes. City departments would be directed to identify all applicable properties, install signage stating that such property may not be used for immigration enforcement, and implement access controls where feasible. Any attempted use of City property for immigration enforcement would be immediately reported to the City Manager, Mayor’s Office, and City Attorney.
Per the ordinance, consistent with existing law, the ordinance would clarify that City employees and resources may not be used to assist federal civil immigration enforcement beyond what is legally required. This includes refusing deputization, denying logistical support, and limiting cooperation with National Guard units unless explicitly authorized by law
Community Preparedness and Emergency Planning
Given Richmond’s limited hospital capacity, the City would explore readiness of libraries, recreation centers, and community centers to serve as emergency shelters or clinics during protests, natural disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies. City staff would also pursue coordination with healthcare providers, labor unions, and volunteer networks to build emergency medical capacity.
Neighborhood-based preparedness strategies would be emphasized, including block-by-block planning, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) participation, and distribution of preparedness packets with emergency contacts, immigrant defense resources, unhoused services, food distribution, rental assistance, and Red Cross information.
Communications and Public Information
The ordinance would direct the City to establish clear communications protocols, including rapid public notifications in the event of ICE activity or National Guard presence within Richmond. This may include investment in a city-wide text alert system, multilingual materials, press releases, coordination with local media, and outreach through faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses.
If approved, it would direct the city manager and city attorney to report to the City Council on March 3, 2026, regarding the City’s ongoing and planned efforts related to federal civil immigration enforcement actions, including ICE raids, and to return within 45 days with a proposed ICE-Free Zone Ordinance: The proposed ordinance shall restrict the use of City-owned or City-controlled property, facilities, personnel, and resources for federal civil immigration enforcement; establish non-cooperation and resource-denial policies consistent with applicable law; and require the development of a coordinated implementation strategy, including interdepartmental protocols, staff training, and a community-facing preparedness and communications plan .
IF You Go:
Richmond City Council Meeting
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Full Agenda: Click here
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