City Council and Authorities Concurrent

Santa Clara Unanimously Adopts Immigration Protection Policy Ahead of Super Bowl

Santa Clara City Council votes unanimously Tuesday to prohibit city resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement, responding to community fears ahead of Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 9.

The 7-0 vote on City Council Policy 056 came after more than 40 speakers—the vast majority supporting the measure—urged the council to protect immigrant families during one of the largest sporting events in the country. The policy aligns Santa Clara with California sanctuary state laws and mirrors protections already in place in neighboring San Jose.

Policy Scope and Implementation

The policy bars city facilities from being used for civil immigration enforcement activities and restricts how city resources can be deployed in cooperation with federal immigration authorities. At Councilmember Kelly Cox's urging, the council amended the staff recommendation to make the policy effective immediately rather than implementing it on a delayed timeline.

"We heard from our community tonight," Cox said in making her motion, which also included a requirement for staff to prepare a lessons learned report after the Super Bowl concludes.

Councilmember Raj Chahal seconded the motion, and all seven council members—including Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor, Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez, and Councilmembers Karen Hardy, Kevin Park, and Suds Jain—voted in favor.

Community Voices Dominate

The public comment period stretched as speaker after speaker implored the council to act before the Super Bowl brings heightened law enforcement presence to the city. Community members and immigrant rights advocates described fear spreading through immigrant communities about potential federal enforcement actions during the high-profile event.

Speakers urged Santa Clara to join other California cities that have adopted similar protections, emphasizing the policy would not interfere with legitimate law enforcement but would ensure city resources are not weaponized against immigrant families.

Council Questions Address Details

During deliberations, council members pressed city staff on implementation specifics. Councilmember Jain questioned data sharing implications, particularly regarding FLOCK license plate reader cameras and whether footage could be accessed by federal immigration authorities.

Councilmember Park raised questions about free speech zones during the Super Bowl and how the policy would apply to Levi's Stadium, which is owned by the city's Stadium Authority.

City Attorney and City Manager staff explained the policy aligns with existing state laws including SB 54, AB 450, and SB 627, and was modeled after San Jose's established policy.

Closed Session Reports

In other business, City Attorney reported no action taken on two closed session matters: IBEW 1245 Unit 3 labor negotiations from a January 7 session and discussions regarding threats to public services and facilities involving both the City and Stadium Authority.

Super Bowl LX, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, kicks off Sunday at Levi's Stadium, with an expected 70,000 attendees and a global television audience.