ICE Agents Restricted from Accessing Non-Public County Spaces

February 20, 2026

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously passed the CLEAR ordinance, which limits federal immigration enforcement agents' access to county facilities by requiring judicial warrants before entering non-public areas. This protective measure aims to enhance transparency and safeguard civil liberties while allowing county residents to utilize public services without fear of immigration-related intimidation. The regulation becomes enforceable on February 28, 2026, one month after its approval date.

Who is affected

San Diego County residents (particularly those with immigration concerns)
Federal immigration agents
County employees managing county facilities
UC San Diego students and employees
Workers of all immigration statuses
Organizations providing legal support services

What action is being taken

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved and implemented the CLEAR ordinance
Legal support organizations are providing assistance
UC San Diego campus immigration attorneys are offering consultation services
PaseLaVoz is operating alert systems for real-time ICE activity updates

Why it matters

This ordinance is significant because it creates institutional barriers against unrestricted federal immigration enforcement in county spaces, thereby protecting vulnerable populations who need to access essential county services. By requiring judicial warrants, it ensures constitutional due process protections are maintained and prevents potential civil rights violations. The measure helps prevent the chilling effect that immigration enforcement can have on community members seeking healthcare, social services, or other county resources.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint