Foster City Council prohibits use of city property for immigration enforcement

Some policies, such as Senate Bill 54, have been in place for about eight years, while others, such as SB 805 are newer and require that “law enforcement officers that are not in uniform visibly display identification that includes their agency and either name or badge number to the public when performing their enforcement duties,” City Attorney Benjamin Stock said during a council meeting April 21.

The city’s existing local ordinance also mirrors state policy, however, Stock said the new resolution adds that, if ICE officers violate these rules, it would trigger a mandated public notification.

“Those steps include directing the city manager or his designee to inform federal agents they cannot use city property for such purposes, document any refusal to comply and notify city staff and the public,” Stock said during the City Council meeting.

The move is largely a preventative measure, as City Manager Stefan Chatwin said he is not aware of any violations occurring in Foster City. Some supporters of the resolution said, rather than making substantive policy changes, it clarifies and educates existing policy to those who are most at risk.

“It’s a fear factor. At the core, this is not a policy decision,” Jim Lawrence said during public comment. “The resolution draws that clear and appropriate boundary. It reinforces that the local government exists to serve the community, not an extension of ICE or any other government organization.”

Councilmember Phoebe Venkat, who initiated the discussion, said the resolution would help address “community concerns and regional concerns regarding transparency, local autonomy and the chilling effect that aggressive and violent federal enforcement can have on a community,” adding that it would “maintain public trust.”

The resolution passed unanimously.