Dear Community Members,
I understand that many of you are feeling anxious and scared during these uncertain times, particularly those who are undocumented or of mixed immigration status. Let me assure you that the safety and well-being of all our community members is of the utmost importance to me and the City Council.
In 2017, the City Council passed Resolution 17-232 reaffirming our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We acknowledge that there is a heightened sense of fear and concern for certain groups within our community, and we as a City value all members of our community regardless of religion, ancestries, ethnicities, ability, sexual orientation, immigration status, or gender identity. We reaffirm the City’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights and privileges of everyone in South San Francisco.
I have spoken with our City’s leadership team including our City Manager, City Attorney, and Chief of Police to ensure the safety of our community. The South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD) does not directly investigate or enforce immigration laws. Our officers do not detain or arrest individuals for civil or administrative violations of federal immigration laws. Nor does our police department ask about an individual’s immigration status or require anyone to produce immigration documents for purposes of immigration enforcement. Our police department will not refer cases involving violations of immigration laws to the District Attorney’s Office or any federal immigration agency for prosecution. (View South San Francisco Police Policy on Immigration Violations Immigration_Violations-SSFPD-Policy.pdf(PDF, 40KB))
Remember, you have constitutional rights regardless of your immigration status:
- Do not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on your door.
- Do not answer any questions from an immigration agent if they try and talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
- Do not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
- If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave, and if they say yes, leave calmly.
- If an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if you see ICE activity nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472.
Please be assured that South San Francisco remains a diverse, welcoming community in which we celebrate all cultures, religions, genders, languages, and national origins. I will be hosting a “Know Your Rights” community forum in February in collaboration with other non-profit partners and SSFPD to educate our community to better understand our community’s concerns and to provide education and resources to help safeguard our community. In the meantime, please check out the valuable resources below, and please utilize the Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA) should you encounter or witness an ICE agent.
In solidarity,
Mayor Eddie Flores
South San Francisco
RESOURCES / RECURSOS
SSFUSD Resources / Recursos de SSFUSD
California State Resources / Recursos del Estado de California
National Resources / Recursos nacionales