The Pinole City Council has approved a new rule that limits how federal immigration authorities can use city property.
At its Dec. 16 meeting, the council added Chapter 2.68 to the Pinole Municipal Code. The rule says city-owned or city-controlled property cannot be used for federal civil immigration enforcement activities (such as staging operations, interviewing or holding people, or doing surveillance) unless a judge issues a warrant or court order.
Pinole is the first city in the Bay Area to adopt this type of policy. Officials say it is meant to protect public safety and build trust between local government and the community, especially immigrant families who might otherwise hesitate to report crimes or use city services out of fear.
The new rule does not change criminal law enforcement, and it does not stop federal agents from entering areas of city property that are open to the public.
Mayor Emeritus Cameron Sasai said the policy sends a clear message: “You belong here, and you deserve to feel safe.”
The ordinance becomes effective 30 days after adoption.
Residents who believe the policy has been violated can report concerns to the City Manager’s Office or the Pinole Police Department. Complaints about federal enforcement conduct can also be filed with the California Attorney General’s ICE Misconduct Reporting Portal.
For more information, go here.
