Immigration: Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration enforcement: City of Sacramento’s policies and commitment

The City of Sacramento and Sacramento Police Department (SPD) remain committed to the safety and well-being of all community members. California state law (Senate Bill 54) prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal civil immigration laws—this is handled exclusively by federal agencies.

In addition, the City’s sanctuary city ordinance makes it clear that no City official, employee or agent of the City, while in the course and scope of employment, shall use any City funds or resources to enforce federal civil immigration law.

SPD is dedicated to addressing crime, supporting victims, and building trust, regardless of immigration status. For more information, please see SPD’s General Order 523.07 - Contacts with Foreign Nationals, which is also available on our Policy and Procedures page.

This Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ) list outlines SPD’s role in immigration enforcement

Question: Can I be deported by SPD during a traffic stop or call for service?
Answer: No
SPD does not enforce federal immigration laws. SPD employees are also prohibited from arresting, detaining, or continuing to detain a person based solely on their immigration status.

Question: Can I be deported by SPD if I report a crime?
Answer: No
The policy is to provide equal enforcement of the law and equal service to all members of the public regardless of an individual’s immigration status.

Question: Can SPD officers stop a person to determine the person’s immigration status?
Answer: No
SPD employees are prohibited from investigating, interrogating, detaining, collecting or maintaining information about an individual solely to determine immigration status.

Question: Does SPD maintain records that reflect the immigration status of a victim, witness, or arrestee?
Answer: No
SPD does not keep or maintain any database related to a person’s immigration status except to provide services related to the processing of U-Visa applications.

Question: What is SPD’s role if officers are called to a federal enforcement action?
Answer: SPD’s role is limited to public and officer safety. If officers respond and determine that a federal enforcement action is occurring, SPD personnel may take steps necessary to safeguard lives and property, such as maintaining a safe perimeter or directing traffic when needed. SPD does not assist with civil immigration enforcement.

Question: Does SPD assist with immigration enforcement?
Answer: No
SPD does not enforce federal immigration laws and does not arrest or detain people solely based on immigration status. If SPD is present during a federal enforcement action, officers are there only to help maintain public safety.

Question: Why would SPD officers be present near a federal enforcement action?
Answer: SPD may respond if the department receives a call for service, if there are public safety concerns, or if it is initially unclear what type of incident is occurring. SPD’s presence does not mean the department is assisting with a federal immigration enforcement action.

Question: What will SPD officers do when they arrive at a possible federal enforcement action?
Answer: Officers will assess the situation to determine whether a crime is occurring, whether federal law enforcement officers are involved, and which federal agency is conducting the operation. If it is confirmed that the incident is a federal enforcement action, SPD’s role remains limited to public and officer safety.

Question: What will be SPD’s response if they arrive and determine that the incident does not involve federal enforcement action and no Federal Officers are involved?
Answer: SPD remains responsible for responding to crimes, protecting victims, and addressing immediate threats to public safety. If officers determine that a separate crime is occurring, or that the incident is not related to a federal enforcement action, SPD will respond consistent with normal criminal investigation procedures.

Question: Can SPD officers explain their role to community members or bystanders?
Answer: Yes
When appropriate, SPD officers may explain that they are present only to help ensure public safety and are not there to assist with civil immigration enforcement.

Question: Who should questions about the federal operation be directed to?
Answer: Questions about a federal enforcement action should be directed to the Public Information Office of the involved federal law enforcement agency. SPD generally will not be the appropriate source for details about an operation conducted by another agency.

Question: Is there a general reporting procedure for these types of federal enforcement incidents?
Answer: Yes
SPD will document its response consistent with department procedures. If the circumstances do not require a crime report or information report, officers will document a brief summary of the incident in the call record.

Question: Will SPD employees activate their body-worn cameras during federal enforcement incidents?
Answer: Yes
Consistent with SPD policy, employees shall activate their body-worn cameras during investigations and enforcement activity, including evidence collection, whether self-initiated or in response to a dispatched call. If a body-worn camera was not activated during an investigation or enforcement activity, or if the camera malfunctioned, the reason shall be documented on the call.