Sanctuary Coalition of sonoma county
Sanctuary Coalition of Sonoma County
The Sanctuary Coalition was born in late 2024 in response to the new Administration’s plans to implement anti-immigrant policies. Our mission is to resist ICE enforcement activities at a local level and to stand with immigrant communities in their defense. We achieve our mission through policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, community outreach and education, and support for service providers. The Sanctuary Coalition has over 400 individual members and dozens of organizational members, including non-profits, immigrants, congregations, labor unions, and service providers.
Our policy advocacy agenda currently consists of the following goals:
- That the Sonoma County Sheriff stop providing information to ICE. In 2025, by the Sheriff’s own data, approximately 70 people were handed over to ICE through the County Jail. Our Sheriff isn’t legally required to provide anyone’s information to ICE, and he should utilize the model followed by many surrounding counties with blanket prohibitions of collaboration. This way, immigrant communities can trust local officials and law enforcement and feel safe to report crimes.
- That cities within Sonoma County pass Non-Collaboration Ordinances similar to the County Ordinance. Currently, the Sanctuary Coalition is pushing for city ordinances in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Cotati.
- That the County create a permanent, ongoing emergency fund for immigrants who don’t have access to state or federal safety net programs. Currently, many immigrants and service providers say that offering a cash safety net for emergency rent, healthcare, and other basic needs is one of the most pressing issues in Sonoma County.
Some of the Sanctuary Coalition’s achievements so far include the following:
- 3-Day Caminata/Walk for Immigrant Rights from Petaluma to Cloverdale. Over 400 volunteers, organizers, and families gathered in community to demand sanctuary policies, create an emergency fund for immigrant, disable flock cameras, and General Dynamics to leave Sonoma County.
- Passage of a Sonoma County “Non-Collaboration” Ordinance, which prohibits County employees from collaborating in any way with ICE, restricts ICE’s usage of County property for enforcement activities, and allocated an additional $1.5 million for immigrant services. The Sanctuary Coalition is still advocating that the Sheriff be included.
- Passage of a Santa Rosa Ordinance which prohibits the use of City properties for ICE enforcement activities. The Sanctuary Coalition is still advocating for a blanket “Non-Collaboration” policy between City employees and ICE.
- Regular, neighborhood “Barrio Walks,” which serve to inform community members about their rights if confronted by ICE.
- An active group of interfaith faith leaders which implements various events and activities in order to lift the moral imperative of putting a stop to ICE enforcement.
- A monthly newsletter which highlights recent policy changes in immigration, upcoming immigrant rights activities, and other relevant news.
- Sponsoring several gatherings for service providers in order to discuss issues impacting their work.
Support and Endorsements
Well-known community organizations have participated in the Sanctuary Coalition and have endorsed our policy agenda, including Los Cien, First 5 Sonoma, Secure Families Collaborative, SEIU Local 1021, and the United Way of Wine Country.
We hope your organization can participate in, and/or endorse the Sanctuary Coalition’s policy agenda and work.
To register for our mailing list, please email nicolas@raizescollective.org
Nicolas Valdez, Outreach & Education Specialist, Sanctuary Coalition of Sonoma County