Sunnyvale joins other cities in approving ICE-free zones

Another South Bay city is working to keep federal immigration agents off public property, following the lead of its neighbors.

The Sunnyvale City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from using city-owned property for civil enforcement. The policy directs the city to provide “know your rights” resources and training to councilmembers pertaining to court orders. The policy also clarifies it will not restrict criminal law enforcement or interfere with court orders.

Sunnyvale joins a growing number of Santa Clara County municipalities, including Santa Clara, Campbell, San Jose and the county that have taken action to create “ICE-free zones.”

City leaders said the move comes amid heightened concerns about federal immigration activity tied to upcoming regional events, including the World Cup.

“I’ve seen a Sunnyvale family hiding from ICE officers demanding warrantless entry, with children watching fearfully from the windows,”  resident Stuart Norton said at the meeting. “The stakes here are incredibly high, and any limitations we can place are absolutely worthwhile.”

Advocates framed the policy as part of a broader regional effort. They see this action as strengthening trust and safety in immigrant communities where residents are afraid to attend city meetings, shop at local businesses and go to school. Some undocumented residents have chosen to self-deport.

“You are adding to that powerful protection by establishing this policy here in Sunnyvale and being a role model for other cities across the county,” Akemi Flynn, managing director of the Immigrant Protection & Empowerment Network, said.

Some advocates urged the council to go further, warning against any level of cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

“There should be absolutely no information sharing with federal immigration enforcement,” Huy Tran, executive director of Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN), said.

Tran said even limited guidance could assist agents, and he warned that when immigration agents execute court orders, they may detain additional individuals beyond the intended target — underscoring the need for city employee training.

Not all residents are convinced the policy will have a meaningful impact. One resident said federal agents may have more power then acknowledged and adopting the policy is just for show.

“Federal law enforcement doesn’t recognize your authority to regulate their actions,” Zachary K, who did not share his full last name, said at the meeting. “What then? Summoning (the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety) to the scene? … Are you providing a false sense of security? You will probably score some political points with it.”

Councilmembers acknowledged the limits and significance of the measure, but reassured residents it’s more than just a policy being passed.

“We cannot control federal policy and action, but we can control our values,” Mayor Larry Klein said. “This is a step toward ensuring our community feels safe and supported.”

Councilmember Alysa Cisneros agreed the policy reflects the city’s values and commitment to standing with immigrant communities, even if its direct impact may be limited.

“I think what this tells the community that your city council cares about you and your well-being, and we have your back,” Cisneros said.

Contact Maryanne Casas-Perez at [email protected] or @CasasPerezRed on X.

Editor’s note: Akemi Flynn is on San José Spotlight’s board of directors.