SERVICE

File a Sanctuary City Ordinance complaint or inquiry

What to do if a City employee is believed to have helped enforce federal immigration law.

Human Rights Commission

What to know

Cost

No fee for this service.

Rules for City employees

City employees aren't allowed to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforce immigration law except in very limited circumstances or when required by federal or state law.

HRC Civil Rights Division

The Civil Rights Division of the Human Rights Commission can assist you with your complaint or inquiry.

What to do

1. Contact us

To file an inquiry, contact the Human Rights Commission.

25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94102

2. Tell us what happened

Please share any information regarding the allegation of non-compliance with the Sanctuary City Ordinance, including specific details around:

  • when it occurred
  • where it took place
  • who was involved

3. Hear back from us

We will contact you regarding the alleged non-compliance with the Sanctuary City Ordinance and discuss next steps.

Rules of procedure for filing a complaint

You can make a report anonymously, without giving your name. Under Admin Code Chapter 12.H (the Sanctuary City Ordinance, formally titled the 'City and County of Refuge Ordinance'), there are Rules of Procedure for filing a complaint:

Admin Code 12.H Rules of Procedure

Sanctuary City Ordinance

Unless there's a specific legal requirement, City employees may not use City resources to:

  • assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law
  • gather information for the enforcement of federal immigration law
  • help any ICE investigation, detention, or arrest for civil violations of federal immigration law
  • ask about immigration status on any application for City benefits, services, or opportunities
  • limit City services or benefits based on immigration status
  • hold someone based on a civil immigration detainer after they're eligible for release from custody
  • provide information about the release status or personal information of any individual

For more information, read the City and County of Refuge ordinance.

Contact us

Address

25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94102