Santa Clara details rollout of immigrant‑protections policy ahead of FIFA matches

Santa Clara — City staff updated the City Council on implementation steps for Policy 056, which forbids the use of city‑owned or controlled property for civil immigration enforcement activities. Assistant City Manager Paulina Morales described a phased rollout that prioritized sites around Levi Stadium before Super Bowl LX and a broader citywide signage and training push to be completed before the first FIFA World Cup match hosted in Santa Clara.

Staff reported that: 15 locations near the stadium were identified and posted with signs prior to the Super Bowl; notices were sent to leased city properties and stadium management; a City Manager’s Directive that codifies staff procedures is in final review with the city attorney’s office; and a two‑phase employee training program will prioritize frontline personnel and supervisors with a target completion for the first phase before the June 13 match and full completion by the end of June.

The Police Department affirmed it does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and reported that no civil‑immigration enforcement actions took place during Super Bowl operations. Staff also described the city’s “Know Your Rights” web page, a template for private property owners who wish to post notices, and outreach plans with community partners including IPEN (Immigrant Protection & Empowerment Network) and the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Public commenters from immigrant‑rights organizations urged stronger data‑sharing protections, a local prohibition on face coverings by enforcement officers (a policy some nearby jurisdictions have considered), and a clear rapid‑response plan in case federal enforcement activity occurs. Staff acknowledged the requests and said they will consider additional measures; they described SB54 (California Values Act) as the primary statutory limit on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and reiterated that training and the City Manager’s Directive are designed to clarify how employees should react to direct contact from federal agents.

The council received the update unanimously and asked staff to finish remaining steps, finalize the City Manager’s Directive, post signage at remaining city properties before the first FIFA match, and coordinate an outreach event for local businesses before FIFA begins.