The County of Marin is here to serve all of our community members. We value equity, inclusion and belonging for everyone who lives, works and visits Marin County, regardless of immigration status.
Find legal support, community resources, and learn more about your rights.
Resources for Immigrant Communities
In Marin County, we stand united in our commitment to the dignity, safety, and belonging of every community member, regardless of immigration status. The Office of Equity works with County departments and community-based organizations to connect immigrant residents to information, resources, and services.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the County Executive to invest $500,000 toward safeguarding immigrant communities. The County invested those funds in new initiatives to bolster legal education and assistance, and child and family support services for immigrant communities. We encourage community members to access these programs and services described below.
Immigration Legal Services
The County is partnering with the Marin County Office of Education and Immigration Legal Defense to provide free immigration legal services to families and students in Marin County. Services include legal screenings, representation, and removal defense.
The pilot program is currently available to students, families of students, staff, and faculty at Hamilton School in Novato and San Rafael High School. The services are free of charge at both campuses. Clients will be provided with a general consultation to discuss potential pathways to legal status, and in many cases, when possible, full legal representation with regards to their immigration matters.
For more information, contact: Ashley DeGrano.
Emergency Assistance Fund
Many immigrant households in Marin are facing urgent and growing financial needs as members of their families are impacted by immigration detention. The County is partnering with Community Action Marin to provide an Emergency Assistance Fund, designed to offer immediate and flexible cash assistance to prevent housing instability, hunger and related crises.
Eligible families must reside in Marin County, have a detained or deported member that serves as the primary wage earner, have a household income below 80% Area Median Income, and present an immediate financial need. One-time grants of up to $3,000 will be disbursed to eligible households. Services are coordinated with relevant partners to help ensure stability and well-being.
For more information, contact: Kris Budi, Senior Director, Economic Justice.
De-Escalation Response Framework for Immigration Enforcement
With increased immigration enforcement taking place across the country, the County of Marin developed a De-Escalation Response Framework designed to protect our community from initial and cascading impacts.
This Framework outlines how the County works with Cities/Towns, schools, community organizations, and trusted partners to respond calmly and compassionately to immigration-related enforcement and related events.
Marin County Sheriff’s Office:
Immigration Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions
As a local law enforcement agency, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is focused on safeguarding people and enforcing state and local laws. They do not engage in civil immigration enforcement which is the role of the federal government. MSCO deputies do not ask about immigration status during field interactions, and immigration status does not influence how they respond to calls for service or investigate crimes because a person’s immigration status is not relevant to whether a state crime has been committed. MCSO’s core objective is to ensure the safety of all individuals in Marin County.
Rapid Response Network
24 Hour Hotline: 415-991-4545
The Marin Rapid Response Network (MRRN) in Marin County is a community-led project developed to make residents aware of their rights in interactions with ICE and to provide support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention.
Anyone in our county can call the 24/7 HOTLINE 415-991-4545 and receive help in real time.
Don't spread fear and misinformation: Use the Rapid Response Network to share and receive accurate information.
Know Your Rights
Do you know your rights? All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have rights and protections under the Constitution. Explore these resources to help protect yourself and your family.
Videos
Short videos are available from the American Civil Liberties Union that cover basic rights if you encounter ICE at home or in community.
Know Your Rights Toolkit
If you live or work in Marin County, the Know Your Rights Toolkit from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center offers practical resources to help you stay informed and prepared. From legal basics to emergency planning, it’s designed to support individuals and families navigating uncertain times.
Family Preparedness Planning
Make a plan for your family to exercise your legal rights in the case of an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities.
Red Cards
Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. You can read more information about Red Cards, available in multiple languages, from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).
Downloadable/Printable cards are available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Korean, Pashto, Punjbi, Russia, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Legal Assistance
You’re not alone when it comes to navigating immigration questions or concerns. Here are places to get support:
- Marin County Public Defender’s Office Immigration Attorney
- Canal Alliance
- Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
- Social Justice Collaborative
The U.S. immigration system is complex and can be challenging to navigate. It is important for you to speak with a legal services provider about your specific case.
Additional Community Resources
- Immigrant Rights & Justice Network
- Local Mental Health Support: Marin Community Clinics or call (415) 448-1500
- Canal Alliance Social Services Team
Bilingual case managers ready to connect you with help. - Marin Community Fridges
Free food. No questions asked. - San Geronimo Valley Community Center Food Bank
Food pantry and drive-through options available. - SF Marin Food Bank
Weekly groceries, CalFresh enrollment, senior food boxes. - West Marin Community Services Food Pantry Abriendo Caminos
Open Monday through Friday. Abriendo Caminos also houses the West Marin Immigrant Rapid Response Network, in collaboration with MCM's Marin Rapid Response network. - Marin County Free Library Immigration and Legal Resources
Publicly available materials for support and learning. - Marin County Office of Equity
Leading efforts to ensure equity for all in Marin.