Immigration Policy in Berkeley, CA (2026)
2 verified immigration policy rules for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sanctuary Policy Preemption
Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 13.114 bars every city agency and employee from using city resources to help federal immigration enforcement, from denying city services based on immigration status, and from sharing personal information with ICE or CBP without a judicial warrant. Adopted as Ordinance 7984-NS in 2025, it replaces a string of City of Refuge resolutions running back to 1971.
Berkeley Sanctuary City Ordinance
Significant RestrictionsBerkeley Municipal Code § 13.114.030
The following restrictions on the use of City Resources shall apply relating to Immigration Enforcement: A. No City Agency or Personnel shall use any City Resources to assist any Immigration Authority with Immigration Enforcement. B. No City Agency or Personnel shall deny access to any City services or benefits to residents based on Citizenship or Immigration Status. C. The prohibitions set for...
E-Verify Mandates
Berkeley does not require private employers to use the federal E-Verify system, and California Labor Code section 2814 forbids cities and employers from mandating E-Verify beyond what federal law specifically requires.
Berkeley E-Verify Stance and State Limits
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Labor Code § 2814 (AB 622, 2015 — restrictions on E-Verify use)
2814. (a) (1) Except as required by federal law or as a condition of receiving federal funds, it is unlawful for an employer, or any other person or entity to use the federal electronic employment verification system known as E-Verify to check the employment authorization status of an existing employee or an applicant who has not been offered employment. (c) In addition to other remedies availa...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Immigration Policy in Alameda County →