San Diego, February 3, 2026
The San Diego City Council has unanimously passed a resolution opposing aggressive tactics used by federal agents in immigration enforcement. This resolution empowers City Attorney Heather Ferbert to support ongoing lawsuits in Minnesota and Illinois against the Department of Homeland Security and related agencies. The council emphasizes the importance of due process and expresses concerns over the fear instilled in communities by current federal practices. This move aligns San Diego with other local governments advocating for balanced immigration policies.
San Diego City Council Opposes Aggressive Federal Immigration Tactics
San Diego, California – On February 2, 2026, the San Diego City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing “unnecessarily aggressive and excessive tactics” by federal agents within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The resolution also authorizes City Attorney Heather Ferbert to take legal action on behalf of San Diego to support Minnesota and Illinois lawsuits against DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Resolution Details
The resolution, introduced by Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert, Vivian Moreno, and Sean Elo-Rivera, criticizes recent ICE operations that have instilled fear in communities, including San Diego. It emphasizes the importance of due process and equal protection under the law, stating that actions based on appearance or speech are both inhumane and unlawful. The resolution also highlights concerns over monetary incentives, arrest or deportation quotas, and systemic disregard for constitutional protections within federal agencies.
Legal Actions Supported
By passing the resolution, the City Council empowers City Attorney Heather Ferbert to support Minnesota and Illinois in their lawsuits against DHS, ICE, and CBP. These lawsuits, filed in January, challenge current immigrant enforcement practices under the Trump Administration, citing violations of the 10th Amendment, which limits the federal government’s powers to those delegated by the Constitution.
Background Context
In recent months, ICE has conducted numerous operations in various cities, including Minneapolis, leading to public outcry over the agency’s tactics. The San Diego City Council’s resolution reflects a growing trend of local governments addressing concerns over federal immigration enforcement practices. Similar actions have been taken by other cities, such as Vista, which approved “sanctuary city” policies in November 2025, and Chula Vista, which denounced recent violent actions by DHS in a special session on February 2, 2026.
Community Response
During the City Council meeting, residents expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for human dignity in law enforcement practices. Some community members also called for more clarity on the San Diego Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement, seeking assurance that local law enforcement focuses on real threats and does not participate in federal immigration operations without proper legal procedures.
Implications for San Diego
The passage of this resolution signifies San Diego’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles and protecting its residents from aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics. By supporting legal actions against federal agencies, the city aims to influence national policies and practices related to immigration enforcement, ensuring they align with the values of life, liberty, and due process.
Related Developments
In addition to the San Diego City Council’s resolution, other local governments have taken similar stances. For instance, Vista approved “sanctuary city” policies in November 2025, and Chula Vista denounced recent violent actions by DHS in a special session on February 2, 2026. These actions reflect a broader movement among local governments to address concerns over federal immigration enforcement practices and their impact on communities.
Conclusion
The San Diego City Council’s unanimous approval of the resolution marks a significant step in the city’s response to federal immigration enforcement tactics. By condemning “unnecessarily aggressive and excessive tactics” and supporting legal actions against federal agencies, San Diego demonstrates its commitment to protecting its residents and upholding constitutional rights.
FAQ
- What is the San Diego City Council’s recent resolution about?
- The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing “unnecessarily aggressive and excessive tactics” by federal agents within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The resolution also authorizes City Attorney Heather Ferbert to take legal action on behalf of San Diego to support Minnesota and Illinois lawsuits against DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Who introduced the resolution?
- The resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert, Vivian Moreno, and Sean Elo-Rivera.
- What do the lawsuits supported by the resolution challenge?
- The lawsuits challenge current immigrant enforcement practices under the Trump Administration, citing violations of the 10th Amendment, which limits the federal government’s powers to those delegated by the Constitution.
- What is the significance of this resolution for San Diego?
- The passage of this resolution signifies San Diego’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles and protecting its residents from aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics. By supporting legal actions against federal agencies, the city aims to influence national policies and practices related to immigration enforcement, ensuring they align with the values of life, liberty, and due process.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution Approval | San Diego City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing “unnecessarily aggressive and excessive tactics” by federal agents within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). |
| Legal Support | The resolution authorizes City Attorney Heather Ferbert to take legal action on behalf of San Diego to support Minnesota and Illinois lawsuits against DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). |
| Resolution Authors | The resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert, Vivian Moreno, and Sean Elo-Rivera. |
| Lawsuit Challenges | The lawsuits challenge current immigrant enforcement practices under the Trump Administration, citing violations of the 10th Amendment, which limits the federal government’s powers to those delegated by the Constitution. |
| Community Response | Residents expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for human dignity in law enforcement practices. Some community members also called for more clarity on the San Diego Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement. |
| Implications for San Diego | The passage of this resolution signifies San Diego’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles and protecting its residents from aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics. By supporting legal actions against federal agencies, the city aims to influence national policies and practices related to immigration enforcement, ensuring they align with the values of life, liberty, and due process. |
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