The City of Sacramento has been a Sanctuary City since 1985

The City of Sacramento has been a Sanctuary City since 1985. Councilmember Mai Vang has been a longtime champion for our diverse communities. Our City will not waver in these moments to protect our immigrant and refugee communities. Councilmember Vang is proud to join Mayor Pro Tem Guerra in supporting the FUEL Network and local mutual aid and community-based organizations.

If you witness or experience immigration enforcement activity in the greater Sacramento region, the Rapid Response Hotline (916-382-0256) operated by NorCal Resist can verify reports of ICE activity and connect individuals apprehended by ICE — and their families — with immediate legal assistance, social services, and other critical support. The rapid response network is operated by non-profit partners of the Sacramento FUEL Network, established by the City of Sacramento to support and protect the city’s immigrant and refugee communities. Scroll down for additional resources.

Sacramento's Sanctuary City History & Current Status

History & Timeline

  • 1985: Sacramento declared itself a Sanctuary City via Resolution 85-973, primarily to protect refugees from Guatemala and El Salvador. The resolution defined Sacramento as a "haven" offering humanitarian assistance and barred city employees from inquiring about residents' citizenship or residency status unless mandated by law.

  • 2017: The City reaffirmed its status with Resolution 2017-0158, repealing the 1985 resolution to clarify the City’s stance amidst changing federal policies. It emphasized that:

    • The City values equal protection for all residents regardless of immigration status.

    • City officials are prohibited from using City resources to enforce federal civil immigration laws.

View the City’s Discussion Regarding City of Sacramento's Sanctuary City Efforts

Sacramento FUEL Network and City Funding

Establishment of the FUEL Network

  • On May 4, 2017, alongside reaffirming Sacramento’s Sanctuary City status, the Sacramento City Council formally established a partnership with local organizations and health services to serve the immigrant and refugee populations through the creation of the Sacramento Family Unity, Education, and Legal (FUEL) Network for Immigrants.

  • This was authorized by Resolution 2017-0519, which appropriated $300,000 from the General Fund for FY 2017/18 to provide grants supporting the FUEL Network's efforts.

  • From 2018 to 2025, FUEL was hosted by the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF).

  • As of April 2, 2025, the California Immigration Project became the hosting organization for the Sacramento FUEL Network, continuing the coalition’s operations and service delivery.

A Message from Councilmember Vang: Standing with Our Immigrant and Refugee Families

"Keeping Sacramento families together is, at its core, a human rights issue, and one we must all stand up for. When families are torn apart, it's not a policy failure — it's human failure.

Every family deserves the chance to build a future without fear of separation from their loved ones. Sacramento has always been a sanctuary city for all — our immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Thank you to the FUEL Network and all our advocates for showing up this morning for our immigrant communities. I will never stop fighting for you and our immigrant and refugee families.”

Resources

  • FEUL Network

    The Sacramento Family Unity, Education, and Legal Network for Immigrants is a coalition of over 80 local  non-profits, religious organizations, law school immigration clinics, businesses, local pro bono attorneys, educators, and other community partners. This network is dedicated to serving the legal, information, and health needs of Sacramento’s immigrant and refugee population.

    Learn more

  • Norcal Resist

    NorCal Resist equips impacted communities with the tools and support needed to fight immigration injustice. They host educational events, trainings, and workshops, including Know Your Rights sessions, asylum support, and deportation defense. As part of the National Bail Fund Network, they provide free ICE bond assistance and material support for those facing deportation.

    Learn more

  • Know Your Rights - Red Cards

    All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC's red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights.

    Las tarjetas rojas del ILRC dan ejemplos de cómo las personas pueden ejercer estos derechos.

    Learn more

  • United Healthcares Worker WEST

    SEIU-UHW is committed to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and well-being of all healthcare workers, regardless of immigration status. SEIU-UHW aims to provide a valuable resource hub offering information and tools designed to support, protect, and empower immigrants in navigating encounters with immigrant enforcement officer

    Learn More

  • Upcoming Trainings - Updated 7/17/25

    Court and Ice Watch Training
    Look after our community! On July 22, 2025, California Immigrant Project and NorCal Resist is hosting a Court Watch and Ice Watch Training Day. This training is for volunteers interested in supporting the community at their hearings and ICE Check-Ins.

    Sign Up

  • Relevant Articles

    Dozens of supporters taking a stance against recent ICE arrests made across multiple immigration court house

    Councilmember Vang reassures the Hmong community and all refugee families that she will do everything possible to protect them and ensure they feel safe.

    Learn MOre

Education, Toolkits, and Trainings

Know your rights

  • If You Are Detained: Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator to find loved ones.

  • If You Are Undocumented: You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials.

  • If ICE is at Your Door: Do not open the door unless there is a warrant signed by a judge. ICE “warrants” that are not signed by judges do not allow entry without your consent.

  • If You Are a U.S. Citizen or Have Lawful Immigration Status: You may show your passport, green card, work permit, or other valid documentation.

  • Know & Communicate Your Rights: Access free “Know Your Rights” Red Cards: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas

  • If you see ICE activity, call the Rapid Response Network Hotlines (California):

    1. Los Angeles: 888-624-4752

    2. Orange County: 714-881-1558

    3. Sacramento: 916-382-0256

    4. San Bernardino / Riverside: 909-361-4588

    5. Santa Barbara / Ventura / San Luis Obispo: 805-870-8855

    6. Central Valley: 559-206-0151

    7. Kern County: 661-432-2230