Last Monday, April 7, the San Diego City Council unanimously approved the second and final reading of the Due Process and Safety Ordinance, officially enacting one of the strongest local civil rights protections in the country.
Originally passed in the fall of 2025, the ordinance has now completed all required steps — including the meet and confer process with City labor unions, which concluded with no changes to the policy — clearing the way for implementation.
“Today, San Diego made it clear that our values are not just words — they are law,” said Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, Council District 9, in a statement. “This ordinance ensures that our city will not be complicit in unlawful or discriminatory enforcement, and that every person deserves dignity, safety, and all of their rights intact.”
A Clear Line for Civil Rights and Public Trust
The Due Process and Safety Ordinance establishes enforceable safeguards to ensure that City property, personnel, and resources are not used to facilitate unconstitutional or discriminatory federal enforcement actions.
The ordinance:
- Requires judicial warrants for federal or out-of-state law enforcement to access non-public City-controlled property
- Prohibits local participation in discriminatory or unauthorized enforcement actions targeting individuals based on protected characteristics, including immigration status, gender identity, reproductive care, disability, and religious or political expression
- Extends protections to City contractors, grantees, and lessees
- Establishes data privacy safeguards and mandates multilingual Know Your Rights education across City and City-funded facilities
From Community Advocacy to City Law
The final approval marks the culmination of months of organizing, advocacy, and community testimony from residents, faith leaders, labor partners, civil rights organizations, and regional allies.
The ordinance reflects a broad, people-powered effort to ensure that San Diego remains a city rooted in constitutional protections, transparency, and accountability — especially in the face of rising federal overreach.
Implementation and Next Steps
The ordinance will now move to the Mayor for signature and will take effect 30 days thereafter. The City will begin outreach and education efforts to ensure residents, workers, and organizations understand their rights and responsibilities under the new law.
“This is not the end of the work — it’s the beginning of implementation,” Elo-Rivera added. “We’re committed to making sure these protections are real, understood, and felt in communities across San Diego.”
