Campbell is on track to shut U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of city-owned spaces after the City Council unanimously backed a proposal from Councilmember Sergio Lopez on Feb. 17. Lopez and his staff are now drafting a formal policy that he says will return to the council for a final vote by the end of March.
Council vote and next steps
Lopez asked colleagues to direct staff to prepare rules that would block ICE from using city property for immigration enforcement operations. The council gave that direction with a unanimous vote on Feb. 17. According to San José Spotlight, Lopez said residents had flooded his office with concerns about possible “staged enforcement action,” prompting him to pursue a clear policy. He has pledged to bring back a detailed framework by the end of March, and if the council signs off, Campbell would join a growing list of local governments that limit federal immigration activity on municipal property.
Which sites are in play
The rules are expected to cover heavily used public hubs such as the Campbell Community Center and the Heritage Theatre, which host classes, performances and civic events. Both sit at the community center campus at 1 W. Campbell Ave, according to the City of Campbell. A long-running deal that let U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services hold ceremonies at the Heritage Theatre ended in March 2025, when the agency canceled its contract and stopped using the venue as a frequent naturalization site, as reported by SFGATE.
Part of a bigger Bay Area push
Campbell’s move fits into a broader Bay Area trend of cities and counties limiting how federal immigration agents can operate on public land. Axios reports that San Francisco and other jurisdictions have already passed ordinances that curb ICE activity at municipal sites. Legal experts, however, caution that these rules do not prevent agents from carrying out valid judicial warrants. Supporters argue the local limits help residents use libraries, parks and city services without constantly looking over their shoulders, while opponents and federal officials counter that the policies could interfere with lawful enforcement work.
Community reaction
In downtown Campbell, business employees and residents told reporters they see the proposal as a way to shield immigrant families who depend on city programs and spaces. “People shouldn’t be afraid to go outside because they might be taken away or arrested,” volunteer Addison Giovannoni said. Therapy Stores employee Noemia Butar added, “We want people to feel seen and heard here. Not scared,” according to San José Spotlight.
What comes next
Lopez says he will bring a draft ordinance to the council before the end of March that spells out specific prohibitions, and potentially rules on signage or enforcement limits. If councilmembers approve it, city staff will be tasked with figuring out the nuts and bolts of implementation. Officials have not yet laid out a detailed enforcement strategy, but supporters say the bottom line is simple: they want community gathering spots to remain safe and accessible for all residents.
