At a city council meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, the City of Hayward reaffirmed its sanctuary city status and commitment to protecting its immigrant residents as the new presidential administration targets undocumented individuals. With interpreters in Spanish and Chinese present to ensure clarity, city manager Ana Alvarez delivered a message of comfort and reassurance.
“The issue of immigration enforcement is an issue of primary interest to our city and city employees, because Hayward is a city of immigrants,” Alvarez said. Citing the 2023 American Community Survey data—which shows that 42% of Hayward’s population is foreign-born and 18% are non-U.S. citizens—she emphasized the importance of safeguarding a community deeply rooted in immigrant contributions.
“Our primary responsibility as a municipal government is to provide a safe environment for our entire community, and for people working in, going to school in, and living in Hayward,” Alvarez added. “To maintain the trust we have from the community, our departments and employees at the City of Hayward do not, must not and will not participate or support federal immigration enforcement in any form.”
Alvarez highlighted that this commitment is solidified by local policy, referencing the Sanctuary City Resolution that was adopted by the City Council on June 21st, 2017. This Resolution prohibits the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement, ensuring that undocumented residents can access essential municipal services without fear of detention or deportation.
City officials have maintained that the resolution not only upholds the civil rights of all community members but also promotes overall public safety by fostering trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.
“This policy is also consistent with state and federal law. We believe strongly that it is the best interest of our entire Hayward community,” Alvarez noted.
Mayor Mark Salinas further emphasized the broad impact of immigration issues, stating that immigration is not “only a Latino issue,” and that the impacts of its policies will be felt by residents with diverse backgrounds. He reassured residents that he and the city council are working to make Hayward safe for all people.
“I want to reiterate a sense of discipline and calmness,” Salinas added.In response to false rumors about ICE appearances circulating on social media, city officials are urging residents to subscribe to The Stack, the official city digital newsletter, for accurate and up-to-date information on this evolving situation.
