Support for immigrant communities
Overview
Sonoma County is committed to all who are in need and are eligible for services, regardless of immigration status. All County immigrant residents, whether they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, undocumented residents, refugees, or residents with any other immigration status, are valued and are integral members of our social, cultural, and economic fabric. On Jan. 10, 2025, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors pledged to protect the civil rights of the County’s immigrants to the fullest extent provided by the law. The Board also reaffirmed the County’s commitment to abide by state laws adopted by the California Legislature that ensure law enforcement services, schools, health care facilities, courts and other public agencies are accessible to every person in California, regardless of immigration status.
Board resolution
The Board also passed a resolution directing County departments and employees to comply with the California Values Act, a 2017 state law that limits state and local government agencies, including law enforcement, from sharing information about an individual’s immigration status with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency that enforces immigration laws. Exceptions in the state law allow law enforcement to provide ICE with information about undocumented immigrants convicted of a serious or violent felony.
The resolution also prohibits County agencies and employees from investigating, interrogating or detaining people for immigration enforcement purposes or sharing an individual’s immigration status with ICE, unless required by state or federal law. The Board also directed County departments to develop protocols and procedures on how to interact with ICE agents and directed staff to create a centralized web hub – this web site - with information and resources for immigrant communities.
More information about the actions taken by the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 10 is available here »
See the full resolution as passed by the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 10 »
Civil Rights Board Ordinance
On April 7, 2026, the Board passed a Resolution of intent to adopt an Ordinance to uphold the Civil Rights, Dignity, Health and Safety of Our Immigrant Population and all Sonoma County Residents. Per Board direction and following public noticing requirements, this draft Ordinance will be brought back to the Board for final adoption on April 28, 2026.
The goal of this Ordinance is to confirm the County’s support for the civil rights and safety of all residents, including immigrant residents, and to memorialize the steps taken by the County in support of this commitment and to operationalize the direction that the Board provided on January 20, 2025, via the Resolution discussed above.
Once formally adopted, the Ordinance will be made available here. In the meantime, you can find details about the April 7, 2026 Board item here.
Below are some FAQs regarding this new Ordinance or view a PDF copy of the FAQs here »
FAQs Regarding Sonoma County Civil Rights Ordinance - April 7, 2026
Is Sonoma County a Sanctuary County?
No. While we deeply value and prioritize the safety and well-being of our local immigrant communities, it is important to be honest about the limits of the Board of Supervisors’ authority. Even if the County were labeled a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction,” that designation would not prevent federal immigration enforcement from operating locally. By sharing factual information, grounded in legal constraints, we hope that community members understand the realities at hand and have the agency to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Why adopt an ordinance to Uphold the Civil Rights, Dignity, Health and Safety of Our Immigration Population?
Sonoma County has adopted an ordinance to demonstrate our support for immigrant communities, while remaining aligned with state and federal law. This approach acknowledges that other elected officials – the Sonoma County Sheriff, District Attorney, Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, and Clerk-Recorder-Assessor – retain their independent and constitutionally and statutorily designated functions. At the same time, the ordinance clearly articulates our support for immigrant communities and our commitment to operate within our authority to ensure sustainable and realistic protections.
What does this ordinance do?
On Jan. 10, 2025, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution affirming the County’s commitment to the civil rights and health and safety of all residents, with a focus on our immigrant population. The resolution also provided clear direction to County staff under the Board’s policy direction to not cooperate with ICE to the maximum extent of the law.
This new ordinance creates a single, clear reference point for staff and the public. This ordinance provides the specifics on how that direction is to be operationalized and implemented, in a single, easy to reference location, and to memorialize what has already taken place under the Board’s initial January 2025 direction.
Among other key items, the ordinance reinforces that County resources, including staff and technology, cannot be used to support immigration enforcement activities, unless legally required. This includes prohibiting the use of County facilities and properties for immigration enforcement activities, such as staging. It dictates that the County will protect all clients’ sensitive private information, including immigration status, and may only release such information when required by law.
In addition, the ordinance tracks the steps the County has already taken in support of immigrant communities, including clearly defining public versus nonpublic areas, providing staff training on how to respond to federal agents while conducting County business, and the creation of the Support for Immigrant Communities website.
Why can't the BOS direct the Sheriff?
Sheriffs are elected and independent in California. Although the Board supervises the official conduct of all county officers, California Govt Code 25303 states this shall not be construed to affect the independent and constitutionally and statutorily designated investigative and prosecutorial functions of the sheriff.
What is the Sonoma County Sheriff’s stance on cooperating with federal immigration enforcement agents?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has clearly stated its policy on cooperation with immigration officials, https://www.sonomasheriff.org/immigration
The Sheriff’s Office does not:
- Participate in immigration enforcement
- Honor ICE holds or detainers
- Proactively contact ICE
- Allow ICE in the jail, except to make an arrest.
FAQs regarding the Sheriff’s law enforcement and immigration enforcement can also be found on the Support for Immigrant Communities website.
What else is the County doing in support of immigrant communities?
While we recognize the legal limits of the Board’s authority, the County is committing $1.5 million in funding to provide direct support to those most affected by the current immigration climate. We are developing a process to distribute these funds, which will be finalized in the coming months.
Additional resources available to immigrants and all residents can be found on the Support for Immigrant Communities website.
Immigrant Support Policy Flyer
Supporting Immigrant Communities Board Ad Hoc
In August 2025, the Board of Supervisors established an Ad Hoc Committee made up of Supervisor Hopkins and Supervisor Hermosillo, to develop strategies and recommendations for the full Board of Supervisors regarding how to support, protect and empower immigrant residents.
Read the Ad Hoc guiding Charter (PDF: 123 kB) »
FAQs Regarding Sonoma County Law Enforcement and Immigration Enforcement - March 11, 2026
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office deport individuals?
No.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office voluntarily cooperate with ICE beyond what SB 54 allows?
No.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office participate in civil immigration enforcement?
No. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office enforces local and state criminal laws, not federal civil immigration laws.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office detain individuals for ICE?
No.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office participate in immigration raids?
No. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office does not participate in immigration raids or federal immigration enforcement operations.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office share automatic license plate reader (ALPR) data (e.g. FLOCK) with federal law enforcement?
No. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office does not share ALPR data with federal law enforcement. Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office’s policy on ALPR data aligns with SB 34 (2015). Per procedure, data is retained locally for 30 days.
Media has reported that some law enforcement agencies in California have violated state law and provided ALPR data to federal law enforcement, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office does not violate state law. The Sheriff’s Office has also removed access to California agencies that have violated State law.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office participate in the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAPP)?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office last submitted for reimbursement from SCAPP in Fiscal Year 22/23. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has not participated in SCAPP under the current federal administration and will not seek future SCAPP funding.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office have an active 287 (g) agreement with Department of Homeland Security (DHS)?
No. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office does not have an active 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security.
An active 287(g) agreement would violate California law, because SB 54 and Government Code section 7284.6 prohibit California local law enforcement from performing immigration officer functions or serving under federal supervision for immigration enforcement purposes.”
What changes has the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office made related to communication with DHS since 2017?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has steadily narrowed and clarified when immigration notification may occur.
Earlier versions of the policy included notification for certain misdemeanor “wobblers” within five years and, in limited circumstances, based on felony probable cause findings for current charges. Recently (in 2024 & 2025), those two pathways were removed with policy revisions.
Today, misdemeanor wobblers alone no longer qualify, and notification is no longer based on pending charges. The policy was further tightened by removing reclassified theft and drug offenses, requiring verification that a conviction is still a felony and still punishable by state prison under current law, eliminating enhancement-only triggers, and expanding exemption lists.
The overall direction has been to reduce the number of qualifying crimes and ensure strict compliance with California law. In fact, with these modifications to its policy, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is more restrictive in its communication with DHS than is required under California law.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office cooperate with ICE?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office cooperates with federal law enforcement, including but not limited to ICE, in alignment with state law.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office only shares information of individuals convicted of serious and/or violent crimes with federal law enforcement. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office does not release information simply for an arrest of an alleged crime, without a final conviction.
Currently, state law allows for communication with federal law enforcement for serious and/or violent crimes. State law could direct local jurisdictions to not share any information with ICE - but has not done so. If state law was to change, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office would comply.
How does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office policies compare to other Sheriff Office’s in the California?
Based on the changes described above which the current Sheriff has made to reduce communication with ICE, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office’s policies align regionally and statewide with those jurisdictions that have the most limited communication with federal law enforcement.
What are considered “serious and violent crimes?”
Serious and violent crimes are defined under California Penal Code §§ 1192.7(c) and 667.5(c) as offenses that involve significant harm, force, or threat to public safety. Examples include murder or attempted murder, which involve the unlawful killing or attempted killing of another person; rape and other forcible sexual assaults; robbery, including taking property directly from someone through force or fear; kidnapping, which involves holding or moving a person against their will; and assault with a deadly weapon or any felony where great bodily injury is inflicted on a victim.
How does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s policy align with state law?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is aligned with state law. In fact, in some instances, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office communicates with ICE even less than the thresholds established in state law under SB 54.
View the matrix that the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office uses to determine communication with ICE. In the highlighted sections of the matrix, you will find criminal convictions where local law enforcement, under state law, can communicate with ICE but the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has elected not to do so.
Where do I get information about the instances where the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office shared information with ICE?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s office annually hosts a TRUTH Act Forum as mandated by AB 2792 (2016).
Find all the materials associated with the most recent TRUTH Act Forum on July 22nd, 2025 »
The 2026 TRUTH Act Forum will be held on Tuesday, May 12th.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office investigate immigration status?
No. Deputies do not ask about immigration status during routine calls for service, such as when responding to crimes, emergencies, or requests for help, and do not inquire about immigration status when someone is booked into the County jail.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office honor immigration holds for the Department of Homeland Security?
No. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office does not hold individuals beyond their scheduled release date for immigration purposes.
Does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office comply with California state law?
Yes, The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office policies are aligned with the California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) and, in fact, are more restrictive than what state law requires. The California Values Act was signed into law in 2017 to provide clear guidance to state and local law enforcement agencies regarding federal immigration enforcement. The law prohibits state and local agencies from detaining individuals based solely on federal immigration detainers or transferring them to federal custody unless there is a judicial warrant. It also prohibits deputies from asking individuals about their immigration status and prevents the use of local law enforcement resources for immigration enforcement activities such as investigation, interrogation, detention, detection, or arrest for civil immigration purposes. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has adopted policies that strictly follow these requirements and, in some areas, go beyond them to ensure our focus remains on local public safety and maintaining trust within our community.
When does the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office release individuals to ICE?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office only directly releases individuals to ICE when there is a judicial warrant. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office does not honor administrative warrants related to immigration enforcement.
A judicial warrant is a lawful order signed by a judge or magistrate with which the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office must comply.
Ad Hoc Agendas and Meetings
Agendas
- Ad Hoc Agenda - March 11, 2026 (PDF: 101 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Agenda - February 27, 2026 (PDF: 112 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Agenda - January 8, 2026 (PDF: 90 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Agenda - December 15, 2025 (PDF: 88 kB) »
Meeting Notes
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - March 11, 2026 (PDF: 160 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - February 27, 2026 (PDF: 117 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - January 8, 2026 (PDF: 109 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - December 15, 2025 (PDF: 93 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - November 18, 2025 (PDF: 121 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - October 29, 2025 (PDF: 99 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - October 9, 2025 (PDF: 104 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - September 17, 2025 (PDF: 161 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - August 29, 2025 (PDF: 112 kB) »
- Ad Hoc Meeting Notes - August 18, 2025 (PDF: 79 kB) »
Red Cards
Information about Red Cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) can be found here »
Download and print Red Cards:
Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – English.pdf
Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards - Spanish.pdf
North Bay Rapid Response Network
- 24 Hour Hotline: 707-800-4544
The Rapid Response Network provides a way for people to respond to fear and anxiety in our community as a result of the increase in immigration enforcement, ICE raids and other attacks against our communities. The network provides a 24-hour hotline to immigrants facing an arrest or raid by federal immigration agents, dispatches trained legal observers to the immigration enforcement activity location, connects the affected communities with rapid legal support, and offers court accompaniment. For the latest information, follow them at www.facebook.com/NorthBayRapidResponse or on Instagram @northbayrapidresponsenetwork.
County Resources
The following County safety net services are available to help community members impacted by immigration enforcement actions.
Health and Human Services:
- If a parent is arrested and leaves an unaccompanied minor at home, Child Protective Services can help.
- 24-hour hotline: (707) 565-4304
- If an arrest leaves behind a resident in need of elder care, Adult Protective Services can help.
- 24-hour hotline: (707) 565-5940
- If an arrest leaves pets in need of care, Animal Services can help.
- (707) 565-7100, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., local law enforcement after hours.
- For a mental health crisis, the Mobile Support Team can help.
- 24-hour hotline: 1-800-746-8181
Public Defender:
The Public Defender’s Office is not currently available for deportation defense on demand. The office currently provides removal defense for current clients who have a criminal case with the office already.
- The office has a page for Immigrant resources.
- Phone: (707) 565-2791
Department of Child Support Services:
DCSS will suspend current child support obligations for participants who are incarcerated. This suspension applies to current support only and does not eliminate arrears accrued prior to detention unless otherwise modified by court order.
Phone: 1-866-901-3212
Other Resources
Below is a list of local resources available for members of our immigrant communities for information and support. (This list is continually developing. For suggestions on the addition of new sites, email the CAO-Central Communications Office at publicaffairs@sonomacounty.gov)
Temporary work visas
Those who have questions about extending a temporary work visa should reach out to their federal representative. Find your federal representative »
Report Federal Agent Misconduct
Members of the public may report potentially unlawful activity by federal agents, which occurs in California, to the California State Attorney General’s Office by filling out the form located at: oag.ca.gov/ReportMisconduct
Legal Services
University of San Francisco School of Law Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic
Sonoma County residents receive pro-bono removal defense representation for all phases of immigration proceedings, at the asylum office, the immigration courts, and adjudication offices of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Jacqueline Brown Scott, Legal Director
449 Hudson St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (415) 422-7582
https://www.usfca.edu/law/engaged-learning/law-clinics
Immigrant Legal Resources Page
The ILRC has a lot of great legal resources including "know your rights tutorials" in 7 seven different languages and guidance on how to build emergency family plans, as well as several other resources, including:
- When ICE Is Outside Our Doors
- Inside Our Homes
- In Our Communities, In Our Streets
- If ICE Arrests Us
- When Documenting ICE Arrests
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
The Sonoma County office helps immigrants, refugees, and their families by providing high-quality immigration legal services, education and civic engagement opportunities.
5401 Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 104
Petaluma, CA 94954
(707) 932-7000
petaluma@iibayarea.org
Book an initial consultation
Legal Aid of Sonoma County
The office assists with crisis legal needs, including low-income housing issues and legal obstacles to health and employment, as well as pro-bono legal representation for Special Immigrant Juvenile status to Sonoma County residents.
144 South E Street, Suite 100
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 542-1290
https://legalaidsc.org/
Sonoma Immigrant Services
Located in Sonoma Valley, the nonprofit’s mission is to strengthen the community through education and advocacy, including immigration legal services.
18360 Sonoma Highway
PO Box 2229
Sonoma, CA. 95476
(707) 996-6669
https://www.sonomaimmigrant.org/
Sonoma County Public Defender
The Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to immigrants during their criminal proceedings, accurately advising clients about immigration consequences when they have contact with the criminal court systems. Their website helps answer common questions such as:
- What should I do if ICE agents approach me on the street or in public?
- If officers come to my home, will I know they are from ICE?
- What do I do if officers are at my door?
- What can I do if ICE is inside my home to make an arrest?
- What are my rights if I am being arrested by ICE?
600 Administration Drive
First Floor-Room 111J
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2791
https://sonomacounty.gov/justice-services/public-defender/immigration-resources
VIDAS
Services include removal defense, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U and T visas, Violence Against Women Act, family-based petitions, waivers, work authorization, consular processing, adjustment of status and naturalization / citizenship.
418 B Street
First Floor
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 523-1740
720 Southpoint Blvd #210
Petaluma, CA 94954
(707) 347-9115
https://vidaslegal.org/
Tu Brujula Legal
This Rohnert Park firm provides immigration services. They offer payment plan options, and conduct comprehensive assessments for each individual. The firm has two bilingual attorneys with a combined 17 years of experience. The services offered are, criminal law, post-conviction release, removal defense, bond hearing assistance, affirmative applications with USCIS, post-conviction relief, and other visa requests. They also work with EB5, foreign investor program, Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas (SICS) for youth under 21.
jcgm@tubrujulalegal.net
707-559-0085
6050 Commerce Blvd. Suite 204
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Social Services
Open Doors
Open Doors ensures that people in Sonoma County are equipped with the knowledge and tools to connect individuals to the right services. Their mission is to improve access to safety net services and programs, and to help support vulnerable individuals and families move through life’s challenges to greater self-sufficiency and improved well-being.
2-1-1 or 800-325-9604
OpenDoors@schsd.org
https://opendoorssc.com/
Catholic Charities
The Diocese of Santa Rosa serves and advocates for vulnerable people of all cultures and beliefs, offering financial stability services, Benefit enrollment for CalFresh and MediCal, food distribution and nutrition education, senior transportation, and homelessness prevention.
987 Airway Court
Santa Rosa, California 95403
(707) 528-8712
Info@srcharities.org
https://www.srcharities.org/
Secure Families Collaborative
The backbone organization to a network of partners who provide pro-bono legal services, wraparound social services, and mental health support. They work together to support immigrants in the community and protect the entire community’s cultural and economic vitality.
422 Larkfield Center #227
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 856-4988
https://sonomacountysecurefamilies.org/
California Human Development
CHD empowers communities with resources such as housing, education, job training, and immigration services. Its mission is to create paths and opportunities for those facing poverty and unemployment.
3510 Unocal Place Suite 200
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-523-1155
https://californiahumandevelopment.org/
Lideres Del Futuro
The nonprofit organization provides culturally appropriate services to improve the lives of Latinx immigrant and refugee families.
1260 N Dutton Ave
Suite 230
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 395-7524
https://lideresdelfuturo.org/
Consulate Offices
Mexico
The Mexican Consulate provides assistance to Mexican citizens in the United States.
Consulado General de México en Sacramento
Marcación local: (916) 397 8686
Marcación Internacional: 001 (916) 397 8686
Consulado General de México en San Francisco
Marcación local: (650) 501 7915
Marcación Internacional: 001 (650) 501 7915
Consulado General de México en San José
Marcación local: (408) 472 1301
Marcación Internacional: 001 (408) 472 1301
El Salvador
- (888) 301-1130
- https://rree.gob.sv/consulado-general-de-el-salvador-en-san-francisco-california-acerca-servicios-consulares-y-entrega-de-pasaporte-a-la-diaspora-en-nevada/
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