The county Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance Tuesday that restricts federal immigration agents from accessing non-public areas on county property — such as offices, construction sites and storage facilities — without a judicial warrant or court order. The Civil Liberties Enforcement an d Accountability Rules, or CLEAR, ordinance passed 3-1, its final vote after being first proposed in October. Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer, Paloma Aguirre and Monica Montgomery Steppe were in favor, while Jim Desmond voted no and Joel Anderson was absent. The ordinance, which officials said will take effect in 30 days, is based on one that the San Diego City Council unanimously approved in October, introduced by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. Board Chair Lawson-Remer, who spearheaded the county ordinance, acknowledged Elo-Rivera’s partnership in bringing “an ordinance across our community that could protect residents at a time when fear is rising.” “We all want law enforcement to keep our community safe,” she said. “But when families are afraid to go into a clinic, or report a crime, or walk into a county office, that makes everyone less safe and weakens public health, and it makes our entire community feel under threat.” The ordinance clarifies existing rules and ensures they are upheld by county contractors, grantees and leaseholders. To inform visitors of these rights, the ordinance requires that signage be posted in multiple languages at the entrances to county facilities. “NOTICE: This facility is protected by the San Diego Due Process and Safety Ordinance. Non-public areas may not be accessed by federal agents, out-of-state law enforcement, or private enforcement actors unless they present a judicially issued warrant or court order. You have the constitutional right to decline to speak with any such individuals without legal representation,” the signage will read. The ordinance also requires county officials to provide reports detailing interactions or cooperation with federal immigration agencies. This includes participation in joint task forces and incidents in which the Sheriff’s Office responds to calls for service related to federal law enforcement activities. Tuesday’s vote comes amid public furor over the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, in Minnesota, where federal agencies are deployed for a large-scale immigration enforcement operation. “Moments like this demand more than statements, they demand action,” said Aguirre. “And I believe that after months of work, amendments and extensive community dialogue, we’re taking this final vote on the CLEAR ordinance, a concrete, lawful action, to protect people who rely on county services every day.” Desmond pointed to recent meetings between White House “border czar” Tom Homan, Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, which he believed helped “ease tensions on the ground” in Minnesota. “These tragic moments should serve as a reminder — they should have never happened — but they serve as a reminder that public safety is best protected when all levels of government communicate clearly and coordinate effectively before crises happen, not after,” Desmond said. He described the county ordinance as “divisive, restrictive, and not collaborative” when explaining why he voted against it. ...read more read less