Immigrants have made West Sacramento the vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community that it is today.  The City’s culture and commerce rely upon the important contributions of our immigrant community.

For these reasons, this City Council reaffirms its commitment to Resolution 17-29, approved in 2017, which declares the City will not participate in the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program.  This voluntary program allows ICE to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration enforcement. Furthermore, we reaffirm that we are prohibited by state law from participating in this program or any other enforcement of federal immigration law.

We recognize that there is currently great anxiety and fear among immigrant communities across the country, including here in West Sacramento.  Our commitment to our friends and neighbors is that we value the City’s immigrant community and will continue to uphold our practice of non-involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

The West Sacramento Police Department (WSPD)’s primary focus is to protect the safety and well-being of all members of our community, including undocumented immigrants. This means ensuring that everyone, regardless of immigration status, feels secure and protected in our city. We want to make sure that those who have been victimized can confidently report crimes and cooperate with law enforcement without fear of consequence.

California has established numerous laws and policies, including the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54),  to ensure protections for undocumented individuals. This Act prevents local law enforcement from using resources to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration officials. It also prohibits local law enforcement from acting independently to pursue immigration enforcement.

At the same time, we believe that our laws should not shield dangerous individuals or restrict WSPD’s ability to investigate and apprehend serious offenders. California’s existing laws strike a balance by allowing local law enforcement to collaborate with federal agencies in targeting criminal organizations, human traffickers, terrorist groups, and foreign agents. WSPD’s role in these joint public safety efforts is based solely on criminal activity, not immigration enforcement. Preventing and responding to crime will always remain WSPD’s top priority. WSPD is also dedicated to transparency and working collaboratively with local, state, and federal leaders to achieve the shared goal of safety for all.

Can I be deported by WSPD during a traffic stop or call for service?

Answer: No
WSPD does not enforce federal immigration laws. WSPD employees are also prohibited from arresting, detaining, or continuing to detain a person based solely on their immigration status.

Answer: No
WSPD provides equal enforcement of the law and equal service to all members of the public regardless of an individual’s immigration status. We urge all residents to continue the reporting of crimes or suspected crimes to keep our community safe.

Answer: No
WSPD employees do not investigate, interrogate, detain, collect, or maintain information about an individual solely to determine immigration status.

Answer: No
State law prohibits WSPD from engaging in enforcement related to a person’s immigration status.

Answer: No
WSPD does not keep or maintain any database related to a person’s immigration status except to provide services related to the processing of U-Visa applications.

Answer: No
WSPD officers do not make arrests or detain individuals solely based on their suspected immigration status. Additionally, department members will not ask about a person’s immigration status.

YCCA’s Family Resource Center provides resources and support for individuals navigating immigration issues. They connect with hundreds of families and individuals who speak English, Spanish, Dari, and Russian. Immigration Resource Page: Https://www.yolokids.org/immigration-services/

The YCCA Family Resource center can be reached at (916) 572-0560.

Washington Unified School District 

Immigration Support Page

Communicare-OLE Pláticas

Communicare-OLE will be hosting four “Pláticas” (Spanish educational workshops) in February 2025, covering essential topics on immigration, including general information, important documents, and key resources, all guided by experts.

These “Pláticas” are held weekly on Wednesdays. The first Wednesday of the month takes place in person, while the remaining sessions are conducted virtually, they are in Spanish, free, and no registration is required. More information can be found here or by calling Communicare-OLE at (530) 405-2815, ext. 2893.

Below are additional resources and organizations that provide "Know Your Rights" information for undocumented immigrants:

1. ACLU Know Your Rights (Immigration)

a. Website: http://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights

2. California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC)

a. Provides resources specifically for immigrants in California, including "Know Your Rights" flyers and legal referral services.

b. Website: www.caimmigrant.org

3. Immigration Advocates Network (IAN)

a. Connects immigrants to legal help and community organizations across the U.S.

b. Website: www.immigrationadvocates.org

4. Legal Aid Society (local branches)

a. Offers free or low-cost legal advice for undocumented individuals. Many local offices have materials on immigrant rights.

b. Find your local branch at www.lsc.gov.