San Diego is on the verge of becoming a national model for civil rights protections as the County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a landmark ordinance designed to protect civil liberties by drawing firm legal boundaries against discriminatory and warrantless federal activity.

“Your rights don’t end when you walk into a County building, and this ordinance makes sure of that,” said Supervisor Lawson-Remer, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “San Diego is drawing a bright line — our public spaces are places you should find help, not handcuffs. Whether you’re bringing your child to a health clinic, applying for food assistance, or meeting with a public defender, you should never have to wonder if unidentified agents are lurking in the hallways.”

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, author of San Diego County’s Civil Liberties Enforcement & Accountability Rules (CLEAR) Ordinance, introduced the ordinance last month in conjunction with the City of San Diego, which passed its version of the law on Monday. 

Together, the actions represent a powerful regional stand against unconstitutional and warrantless enforcement practices by agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — and a model for how local governments nationwide can protect due process, rebuild trust, and safeguard citizens, immigrants, and vulnerable communities.

The “CLEAR Ordinance” responds to a series of unauthorized enforcement incidents across the region, including masked federal agents detaining residents without warrants or identification in public spaces. Such actions have sown confusion and fear, deterring people from seeking essential services and undermining trust in local government.

Key provisions include:

• Judicial warrants required for federal access to non-public areas of County buildings.
• Clear signage in multiple languages so all visitors understand their rights.
• Contract requirements to mandate these civil-rights protections are enforced by County grantees, lessees, and contractors.
• Data privacy safeguards to prevent misuse of sensitive information.

The ordinance does not interfere with lawful public safety operations. Instead, it ensures that enforcement is conducted with transparency, accountability, and respect for the Constitution.

San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, whose ordinance was approved by the City Council yesterday, echoed the regional resolve.

The coordinated action has galvanized action across the region, with leaders in La Mesa, Chula Vista, Oceanside, and local school districts considering similar policies. 

Advocates say this local leadership could serve as a template for communities nationwide facing intensified federal enforcement.

“When unidentified federal agents show up without a warrant and round up citizens and immigrants alike indiscriminately, it’s unconstitutional,” Lawson-Remer said. “We are putting up guardrails so that everyone knows the rules and everyone is treated with dignity and fairness.”

“San Diego County is showing the country that local governments don’t have to stand by when constitutional rights are threatened,” she said.