Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 Tuesday to adopt a policy resolution that restricts the use of County property and resources for certain federal immigration enforcement activities, protects confidential information, and requires reporting of interactions with federal immigration officials.
The October 20 action builds on the Board’s January 2025 resolution affirming its commitment to democracy, justice, equity and inclusion and reflects a shared commitment among all five supervisors to use the County’s legal authority to protect residents and preserve trust in local government.
“We cannot take away all the fear families are carrying, but we can act on the authority we have,” said Supervisor Brian Colbert. “This resolution establishes clear limits on the use of County property, staff, and information for civil immigration enforcement. It is another step in our continuing commitment to stand with our immigrant neighbors.”
Among its provisions, the new policy:
- Prohibits federal immigration agencies from using County-owned or controlled property as staging areas, processing locations or bases of operations for immigration enforcement operations, except where required by law.
- Requires federal immigration officials seeking access to nonpublic County facilities to present a judicial warrant or other legally sufficient authority.
- Reinforces existing restrictions on sharing confidential County-held information for federal immigration enforcement, consistent with state and federal law.
- Requires County employees to report immigration enforcement activity on County property to the County Executive within 24 hours of learning of it.
- Requires the Sheriff's Office and Probation Department to report monthly to County Counsel regarding interactions with federal immigration officials.
District 1 Supervisor Mary Sackett emphasized the importance of taking meaningful action while being candid about the limits of local authority.
“As a County, we must do everything within our legal authority to protect our residents and ensure they can access County services without fear,” said Supervisor Mary Sackett. “And, it would be cruel to overpromise protections to a community already living with fear and uncertainty. We cannot abolish ICE or prevent federal immigration enforcement in Marin. Our residents deserve honesty about what we can do, and meaningful action wherever we have the authority to act.”
Local governments cannot regulate federal immigration enforcement or generally prevent federal officers from entering public places. The County can, however, control access to nonpublic areas of its facilities and restrict how County property, personnel, information and resources may be used, consistent with state and federal law.
The policy was developed following research and review by County staff, County Counsel and a Board subcommittee that included District 3 Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters and District 4 Supervisor Dennis Rodoni. It also builds on existing County practices and state guidance related to immigration enforcement.
“A lot of work and thought has gone into the policy that was presented today,” said Supervisor Stephanie Moulton Peters. “It’s an immediate action we can take today that addresses the urgency of the situation. It enables the County to take action to restrict use of county property and protect confidential information.
The policy also strengthens transparency and oversight through regular reporting of immigration enforcement activity and interactions involving County property, departments and employees. The Board has indicated it will continue evaluating the policy’s effectiveness and opportunities for further action.
“I want to recognize the fear and pain that many families are experiencing. We have heard heartbreaking stories of people being detained, families separated, children afraid to go to school, and workers afraid to leave their homes,” said Supervisor Dennis Rodoni. “To those families, I want to say: We hear you, we care about you, and we stand with you. This resolution is part of a larger commitment our Board has made to promote safety, respect, and dignity for all residents. ... Our work does not end with today’s vote. We will continue listening, learning, and taking action”
In 2026, the Board allocated an additional $1 million for immigration legal services, emergency assistance, and the Marin Rapid Response Network, bringing its two-year investment to $1.5 million. The Public Defender's Office also added an immigration attorney to expand its defense capacity.
The County is also a plaintiff in San Francisco versus Trump, a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to withhold or condition federal funding based on local policies limiting participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. In June 2026, the Board authorized the County to join an amicus brief supporting Santa Clara County and the State of California’s legal challenge to a proposed federal immigration detention facility near Gilroy.
During the Board of Supervisors meeting, Board President Eric Lucan said the discussion of the policy, including public input, demonstrated substantial common ground about the County’s responsibility to immigrant residents.
“There is more that binds us than divides us, and what I heard today is a shared commitment to doing what is in the best interest of our immigrant community,” said Supervisor Eric Lucan. “I believe we share the same goal: protecting our residents, supporting our immigrant community, and making sure Marin remains a place where people feel safe, respected, and supported.”
The newly adopted policy provides consistent direction across County departments while giving County leadership and the Board greater visibility into interactions with federal immigration authorities and opportunities to consider additional action as circumstances and the law evolve.
Information about immigration legal assistance and other community resources is available on the County’s Immigrant Rights & Resources webpage.