Oakland Mayor Reaffirms Police Non-Cooperation With ICE

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said the city’s police department "does not cooperate with ICE," reiterating Oakland’s long-standing sanctuary policy during remarks at a Democratic National Committee meeting on Sunday. The statement marks one of Lee’s first high-profile pronouncements since taking office, and signals that the city will continue to limit collaboration with federal immigration authorities despite renewed national debate over local enforcement roles. Oakland has barred routine participation in federal immigration actions for years, but Lee’s comments underscore that the policy remains a priority for her administration. Under city rules, police generally decline to honor ICE detainer requests or share information on residents’ immigration status unless required by court order. Supporters say the approach encourages undocumented residents to report crimes without fear of deportation, while critics argue it hampers efforts to remove violent offenders.