The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has hit back at plans by several Californian cities to establish ‘No ICE’ zones, saying the agency “will not be deterred from enforcing immigration law.”
Santa Clara County and the City of San Jose have initiated steps to establish the zones, aiming to restrict federal immigration operations on public properties.
Why It Matters
California has become a focal point in the national conversation over immigration enforcement as communities respond to fears of increased federal deportations under the Trump administration.
In Santa Clara County, which hosts a large immigrant population, local leaders are taking steps to limit ICE activity on public property, citing concerns that federal actions could create fear and restrict access to essential public services.
The move shows local governments pushing back to protect community spaces and ensure that residents, regardless of immigration status, can safely use public facilities.
What To Know
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan on October 21, to declare all county buildings and facilities off-limits to ICE enforcement.
The City of San Jose is expected to follow suit with similar measures on Wednesday.
The proposed “No ICE” zones are modeled after similar ordinances implemented in other cities, such as Chicago, where public buildings and spaces have been declared off-limits to ICE. Advocates for immigrant rights view these measures as a step toward safeguarding vulnerable communities and promoting inclusivity.
As Santa Clara County and San Jose proceed with drafting formal ordinances, the outcome may influence similar initiatives in other jurisdictions across California and the U.S.
In June 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to assist federal law enforcement amid protests against immigration enforcement operations.
The move, which bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, led to heightened tensions and legal challenges. In September, a federal judge ruled that the deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act, restricting the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement.
Despite this, the federal government extended the federalization of approximately 300 California National Guard troops through February 2026, prompting further legal disputes.
What People Are Saying
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: “Sanctuary politicians’ protect criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists over American citizens. DHS will not be deterred from enforcing immigration law and our efforts to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.
“It is no surprise that these criminals flock to sanctuary cities where politicians protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets putting American lives in danger. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, there’s no safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return.”
Peter Ortiz, a member of the San Jose City Council who represents East San Jose, said: “We cannot wait until something happens here to act. We cannot wait until federal agents show up in our neighborhoods to finally decide that we should have protected our community spaces.”
Sylvia Arenas, the Santa Clara County Supervisor for District 1, said: “Let us be clear, ICE is not welcome on our county facilities and controlled lands. These lands serve critical needs for our community and immigration enforcement is not one of them.”
What Happens Next
Local leaders are drafting a formal ordinance to limit the use of county properties for immigration enforcement. While ICE retains the authority to enforce federal law regardless of local rules, the ordinance could lay the groundwork for potential legal challenges in the future.