San Jose city leaders are taking a bold stand against what they describe as blatant intimidation by federal immigration agents. In a groundbreaking move, District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz and his colleagues are pushing for a new policy that would require all law enforcement, including ICE agents, to identify themselves when conducting operations in the city.

The proposal, unanimously approved by the San Jose Rules and Open Government Committee, aims to address growing concerns about the safety and rights of immigrant communities. Recent events, including a Supreme Court decision that could potentially enable racial profiling, have heightened tensions and fears among local residents.

“For too long, immigrant families in San Jose have lived under the shadow of fear,” Ortiz stated at a recent rally. “This is not law enforcement. This is blatant intimidation”.

The proposed policy would mandate that all law enforcement officers wear identifying information and “unmask” during operations. This comes in response to numerous reports of ICE agents conducting arrests without clear identification, which has created a climate of fear and uncertainty for immigrant communities.

Councilmember Pamela Campos emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “You cannot build safety on secrecy. Transparency is not optional, and accountability is non-negotiable”.

The impact of such immigration enforcement has been significant. Local reports indicate that fears of raids have led to students missing school, reduced foot traffic at Latino-owned businesses, and even cases of self-deportation among undocumented residents.

Additionally, the policy seeks to address the growing concern of ICE impersonators, who have been reported conducting fraudulent operations in various parts of the country. The San Jose proposal aims to create a clear framework for identifying legitimate law enforcement personnel.

With the Rules and Open Government Committee’s approval, the draft policy will now move to the full City Council for a vote. If passed, San Jose would set a precedent for protecting immigrant communities and ensuring accountability in law enforcement operations.

As the city continues to navigate complex immigration issues, this proposed policy represents a significant step towards protecting civil liberties and creating a more transparent, safe environment for all residents.