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's sanctuary policy began with Resolution 62727 in 1986, declaring Oakland a City of Refuge protecting Central American refugees. The policy was reaffirmed and strengthened over decades through OMC Chapter 9.84 and successor resolutions. City employees, including Oakland Police Department officers, may not inquire about immigration status when providing services, may not detain individuals based solely on civil immigration detainers, and may not share non-public information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement absent a judicial warrant. The policy aligns with California Senate Bill 54 (TRUST Act) and the California Values Act, and applies to all city departments and contractors.
Internal disciplinary action against city employees who violate sanctuary policy; OPD officers face misconduct proceedings under the Oakland Police Commission.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle sanctuary policy preemption.
See how Oakland's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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