- Know Your Rights -
The Know Your Rights project aims to increase access to clear and trustworthy information for families and caregivers in Piedmont, California—especially immigrants, non-citizens, and working-class residents who may struggle to locate accurate, relevant, and safe civic information. Piedmont’s lack of a public library or centralized online resource hub can make it difficult for families to find guidance on education, housing, employment, healthcare, and legal rights for our community. This site aims to help our community by centralizing the information.
Note: This site is not a legal resource and cannot provide legal advice. Please contact a licensed attorney or trusted legal aid service for help with individual situations.
According to a 2023 PEW Fact Sheet: • California is home to the 10.6 million immigrants – the largest population of immigrants in the United States. • In 2023, the most current year of data, 27% of California’s population was foreign born, the highest share of any state and more than double the share in the rest of the country (12%). • Almost half (45%) of California children have at least one immigrant parent. • More than half (55%) of California’s immigrants were documented naturalized US citizens in 2023. • In 2022, 83% of immigrants in the U.S. were either citizens or had some other legal residency status. • Immigrants in California come from dozens of countries; the leading countries of origin are Mexico (3.8 million), the Philippines (821,136), China (795,450), India (574,498), and Vietnam (525,455). • 60% of California’s believe immigrants play a crucial role in the workforce
Piedmont is a sanctuary city.
Hurd, R. (2018, June 7). Piedmont council OKs sanctuary city resolution, 5-0. East Bay Times. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2018/06/07/piedmont-council-oks-sanctuary-city-resolution-5-0/
PIEDMONT —
The City Council voted 5-0 Monday before a packed council chamber to declare Piedmont a sanctuary city by resolution. Their action was only a symbolic gesture as explained by the city attorney and police Chief Jeremy Bowers.
“Adopting a resolution does not violate any state or federal laws,” city attorney Michelle Kenyon said. “As long as you do not adopt an ordinance, the resolution set forth just supports sanctuary status.”
“Nothing changes whether the resolution passes or not,” Bowers said, adding that police policy has been in place since before the passage of Senate Bill 54 which took effect Jan. 1 and declared California a sanctuary state.
City Administrator Paul Benoit affirmed earlier that Piedmont is a de facto sanctuary city because police do not ask for citizenship papers. Bowers said the only time ICE would be notified is when an undocumented immigrant commits a severe crime such as larceny, battery, crimes against children, human trafficking and other crimes.
City Council Minutes -
June 4, 2018
Resolution No. 42-18
SECTION 1.
The City of Piedmont hereby reaffirms its ongoing commitment to protect the rights of all people in our community by declaring that the City of Piedmont is a Sanctuary City.
SECTION 2.
City employees will serve all community members, and city services will be accessible to all community members regardless of immigration status.
SECTION 3.
The City of Piedmont recommits to pursuit of a policy agenda that affirms civil and human rights, promotes civic engagement, and ensures that those targeted on the basis of race, religion or immigration status can turn to government without fear of recrimination; and we reaffirm the value of a diverse society, the beauty of a community composed of myriad cultures, and the right of every person to live freely and without fear and discrimination in our community.
SECTION 4.
City of Piedmont officials, employees and agents shall not inquire into the immigration or citizenship status of an individual, except where the inquiry relates to a legitimate law enforcement purpose that is unrelated to the enforcement of a civil immigration law.
SECTION 5.
The City of Piedmont will continue to uphold the prohibitions placed upon it regarding information sharing with federal immigration authorities by SB 54.
SECTION 6.
The City of Piedmont strongly condemns any and all statements that promote or provoke hate, xenophobia, intolerance or racism against any person or persons.
SECTION 7.
The City of Piedmont understands and accepts its obligation to comply with federal law. Nothing in City of Piedmont policies is intended to violate 8 U.S.C. Section 1373 and 8 U.S.C. Section 1644.
SECTION 8.
The City of Piedmont will continue to review its policies to ensure that they reflect Piedmont’s status as a Sanctuary City, as well as compliance with the United States and California Constitutions, and the mandates of federal and state law. Such review may include the possibility of revision to other City policies such that they comply with the spirit and intent of this Resolution.
Moved by:
King, Seconded by Cavenaugh
Ayes: Andersen, Cavenaugh, King, Rood, McBain
Noes:
None
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Piedmont does hereby resolve as follows:
Piedmont Police Immigration Enforcement:
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422.4 IMMIGRATION INQUIRIES PROHIBITED Officers shall not inquire into an individual’s immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes (Government Code § 7284.6).
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422.7.1 IMMIGRATION DETAINERS No individual should be held based solely on a federal immigration detainer under 8 CFR 287.7 (Government Code § 7284.6). Notification to a federal authority may be made prior to release of an individual who is the subject of a notification request only if the individual meets one of the following conditions (Government Code § 7282.5; Government Code § 7284.6):
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(a) The individual has been arrested and had a judicial probable cause determination for a serious or violent felony identified in Penal Code § 667.5(c) or Penal Code § 1192.7(c).
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(b) The individual has been arrested and had a judicial probable cause determination for a felony punishable by time in a state penitentiary.
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(c) The individual has been convicted of an offense as identified in Government Code § 7282.5(a).
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(d) The individual is a current registrant on the California Sex and Arson Registry.
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(e) The individual is identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the subject of an outstanding federal felony arrest warrant.
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422.7.3 ICE INTERVIEWS Before any interview regarding civil immigration violations takes place between ICE personnel and an individual in custody, the Piedmont Police Department shall provide the individual with a written consent form that explains the purpose of the interview, that the interview is voluntary and that he/she may decline to be interviewed or may choose to be interviewed only with his/her attorney present. The consent form must be available in the languages specified in Government Code § 7283.1.
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422.7.4 TRANSFERS TO IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES Members shall not transfer an individual to immigration authorities unless one of the following circumstances exist:
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(a) Transfer is authorized by a judicial warrant or judicial probable cause determination.
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(b) The individual has been convicted of an offense as identified in Government Code § 7282.5(a).
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(c) The individual is a current registrant on the California Sex and Arson Registry.
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(d) The individual is identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the subject of an outstanding federal felony arrest warrant.
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Piedmont Schools & Immigration
Letter from Piedmont Unified School District Superintendent:
October 23, 2025
Dear PUSD Families:
I have received several questions about reports of potential federal action (including Customs/Border Protection) in Alameda this week. Although we do not believe Piedmont will be targeted for any federal presence, I would like to provide a refresher on a communication I provided earlier this year.
We recognize the challenges and uncertainties immigrant families may be facing. At the heart of our work is a commitment to “cultivate a culture of caring, belonging, and trust.” Together, we will continue to work together to create schools that are safe, welcoming spaces where every student is valued, feels secure, and can thrive. To support our community, important information and resource reminders are included below.
We have protocols for responding to ICE agents/federal law enforcement if they come to one of our campuses, and we have trained our school leaders in those protocols.
We will also continue to follow all state and federal laws that require us to:
Protect the right of all children — regardless of citizenship, immigration status, or the immigration status of their parents —to a free and appropriate public education (Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 [1982]).
Protect the right of all students to be free from discrimination, harassment, violence, and intimidation while at school (California Education Code [EC] 220, 234, et seq.).
Federal and state laws safeguard student education records and personal information. It is important to note that our district does not collect immigration or citizenship information. Moreover, AB 49 prohibits entry of officers conducting immigration enforcement to a school site without a judicial warrant, judicial subpoena or court order. It also prohibits providing any information on students or their households to officers of an agency conducting immigration enforcement. There are many helpful state and county resources available to support our community, but a helpful starting point is the California Department of Justice website, linked [here].
Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students. I will update you as information becomes available.
In Community,
Jennifer Hawn, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Know Your Immigration Rights
and Protections Under the Law
From the State of California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General:
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You have the right to apply for and secure housing without sharing your immigration status. California law prohibits housing providers from asking about your immigration status unless you are applying for affordable housing funded by the federal government. Additionally, housing providers cannot harass or intimidate you by threatening or sharing information about your immigration status to ICE, law enforcement, or other government agencies.
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You have the right to access emergency medical care. Federal laws and regulations ensure the rights of all people to access emergency medical care, including undocumented immigrants.
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You have the right to an attorney. If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed attorney. If you are detained by ICE and/or are facing immigration proceedings, you have the right to seek legal assistance through an attorney.
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State and local law enforcement cannot ask for your immigration status. California law expressly prohibits law enforcement from inquiring about a person's immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes.
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State and local law enforcement cannot share your personal information. This includes sharing your home or work address for immigration purposes, unless that information is available to the public or unless that information involves previous criminal arrest, convictions or similar criminal history.
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State and local law enforcement cannot assist ICE with immigration enforcement, with very limited exceptions. This means they cannot investigate, cannot interrogate, cannot arrest, and cannot detain you unless it is as part of joint federal task force where the primary purpose is not immigration enforcement.
The full "Know Your Immigration Rights" consumer alert is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
Your rights with ICE and Border Control
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Stay Calm and Do Not Open the Door
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ICE agents are not allowed to enter your home without your permission unless they have a valid judicial warrant.
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Speak to them through the door and ask them to slide any documents they have under the door.
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Check the Warrant
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A valid warrant must be signed by a judge and clearly state your name and address.
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Administrative warrants issued by ICE (Form I-200 or I-205) do not allow agents to enter you home without your consent.
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Do Not Answer Questions
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You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status, where you are from, or who lives in your home.
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You can say, “I do not wish to answer any questions,” or remain silent.
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Documentation
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You are not required to show documentation upon request
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It is generally considered worse to have fake documents than to be undocumented, as presenting false documentation can lead to additional criminal charges on top of potential deportation, whereas being undocumented only exposes your immigration status without the added crime of fraud.
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Do Not Sign Anything
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Do not sign any documents ICE agents present to you without consulting an attorney. These documents may waive your rights or agree to voluntary deportation.
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Record the Interaction
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If it is safe to do so, document the interaction by taking notes or recording on your phone.
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This can be helpful if you need legal assistance later.
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Contact an Attorney or Advocacy Organization
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Reach out to an immigration attorney or local advocacy group immediately for assistance.
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The National Immigration Project provides a list of attorneys in your state by city:
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What to do if you are arrested or detained
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Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't give any explanations or excuses. Don't say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
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If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
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If you have been detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your detention.
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Remember your immigration number ("A" number) and give it to your family. It will help family members locate you.
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Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.
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If you are a non-citizen: Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction or plea on your immigration status. Don't discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. While you are in jail, an immigration agent may visit you. Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer. Read all papers fully. If you do not understand or cannot read the papers, tell the officer you need an interpreter.
Local Resources
Piedmont Resources:
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To send comments to the City Council as a whole, and/or regarding a City Council agenda item, please send an email to citycouncil @ piedmont.ca.gov
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Piedmont Appreciating Diversity Committee (PADC)
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The Piedmont Appreciating Diversity Committee is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting inclusion, equity, and diversity within the Piedmont community. Its initiatives include educational programs, community dialogues, and advocacy for anti-racist practices. Partnering with PADC supports the Know Your Rights project by connecting it to a trusted local network committed to fostering equity and ensuring that outreach efforts are inclusive and community-informed.
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Piedmont Racial Equity Campaign (PREC)
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The Piedmont Racial Equity Campaign is a community organization formed after the George Floyd protests to promote anti-racist action and policy reform in Piedmont. Its mission to advance racial justice, diversify city leadership, and promote equitable housing aligns directly with the Know Your Rights project’s goals of fostering inclusion, representation, and equitable access to information for all residents.
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City of Alameda. (n.d.). Know your rights. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.alamedaca.gov/RESIDENTS/Information-for-Residents/Know-Your-Rights
Alameda County Resources:
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Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP): call 510-241-4011 for rapid response and immigration legal services
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Centro Legal De La Raza: call 510-437-1554 for information on immigrants' rights, tenants' rights, and more
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Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR): call 202-742-6420 to file a complaint about a civil rights matter
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Printable red cards (see below) in eight languages to distribute to community members
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A downloadable, fillable, and printable Family Preparedness Plan
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A know-your-rights handout in eight languages to help families prepare for a possible interaction with ICE
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Know Your Rights tutorial video in seven languages to help prepare you for encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
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A list of Rapid Response Network phone numbers for regions throughout California
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A directory of non-profit legal services providers across the country
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ICE out of California resources
California resources:
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Congresswoman Lateefah Simon: Contact the Oakland District Office at 510-763-0370
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Senator Alex Padilla: Contact the San Diego Office for federal issues at 619-239-3884 or the San Francisco Office at 415-981-9369
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Senator Adam Schiff: Contact the Washington DC Office for all issues at 202-224-3841
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CA Assemblymember Mia Bonta: Contact the Oakland District Office at 510-286-1670
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CA Senator Jesse Arreguin: Contact the Oakland District Office at 510-286-1333
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Northern California ACLU with additional Know Your Rights resources
Red Cards and Flyers
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC's red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights. However, they do not provide individualized legal advice. Community members are encouraged to check in with a trusted legal service provider for questions about their situation.
Community Pledge
I pledge to:
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Respect and listen to the voices of families and caregivers in my community.
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Share information in ways that are clear, accessible, and culturally responsive.
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Promote equity by ensuring that all families, regardless of background, have access to their rights.
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Collaborate with schools, libraries, and community organizations to build trust and sustainability.
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Commit to continuous learning and improvement in service to the community.
