Immigration Policy in Oakland, CA (2026)
2 verified immigration policy rules for Oakland, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sanctuary Policy Preemption
Oakland adopted sanctuary city status in 1986, one of the earliest US cities to do so. City Resolution 62727 prohibits use of city resources to assist federal immigration enforcement and bars city employees from inquiring about immigration status during routine services.
Oakland Sanctuary City Policy (1986 Resolution)
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Government Code § 7284 (California Values Act, SB 54, 2017)
DIVISION 7. MISCELLANEOUS [6000 - 7599.200]. CHAPTER 17.25. Cooperation with Immigration Authorities [7284 - 7284.12] (Chapter 17.25 added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 495, Sec. 3.). 7284. This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Values Act. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 495, Sec. 3. (SB 54) Effective January 1, 2018.)
E-Verify Mandates
Oakland does not require private employers to use the federal E-Verify system. California Labor Code section 2814 limits employer use of E-Verify beyond federal mandates, and Oakland sanctuary policy bars city departments from compelling immigration verification beyond federal I-9 requirements.
E-Verify and Immigration Status in Hiring
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 Oakland city rules.
Immigration Policy in Alameda County →