Does San Diego, CA have its own sanctuary policy preemption ordinance?

No. San Diego, CA does not appear to have a local sanctuary policy preemption ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Cal. Gov Code §7284 (SB-54).

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in San Diego

San Diego, CA Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)

Light Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State statute: Cal. Gov Code §7284 (SB-54)
Local policy: SDPD Procedure 6.16
Local ordinance: None separate
ICE detainers: Honored only with judicial warrant
Status inquiries: Prohibited during routine contact

Summary

California SB-54 (the Values Act) limits state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. San Diego Police Department policy mirrors the statute, barring routine status inquiries and most ICE detainers without a judicial warrant.

This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Values Act.

Source: Cal. Gov Code §7284 (SB-54)View official code

Full Breakdown

California Government Code §7284 et seq., enacted as SB-54 in 2017, prohibits state and local law enforcement from using personnel or resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. Officers may not ask about immigration status during routine contact, hold individuals on civil ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, or share non-public personal information for civil immigration purposes. SDPD Procedure 6.16 incorporates these limits and bars officers from initiating immigration investigations. San Diego has not adopted a stand-alone sanctuary ordinance like Los Angeles' LAAC §22.890, but actively follows SB-54. Federal supremacy still applies for criminal warrants and judicial process.

Violations & Fines

Officers who breach SB-54 face administrative discipline up to termination. There is no civil penalty for residents; the rule binds public agencies, not private parties or businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SDPD ask about my immigration status?

No, not during routine policing contact. California SB-54 and SDPD Procedure 6.16 forbid status inquiries by officers absent a specific criminal investigation requiring that information.

Will San Diego hold me for ICE pickup after release?

No, not on a civil ICE detainer alone. Under SB-54, the city honors only judicial warrants signed by a federal judge, consistent with state-mandated sanctuary limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Diego

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions E-Verify MandatesFew Restrictions Parking Rules: Curb Color RulesLight Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All San Diego rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California immigration policy overview

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Sanctuary Policy Preemption in Nearby Cities

How other cities in San Diego County handle sanctuary policy preemption.

Chula Vista, CA

Significant Restrictions