San Diego is facing a sharp rise in immigration enforcement as of July 22, 2025, following new federal policies under President Trump. Border Patrol and ICE have increased their presence, sparking concern and action across the city.
Federal authorities have made San Diego a main focus for immigration enforcement, especially because it is a sanctuary city. Tom Homan, the Border Czar, announced, “We’re going to flood the zone,” making it clear that San Diego will see more operations in the coming months. This move has already led to daily enforcement actions in neighborhoods and workplaces, with both Border Patrol and ICE agents involved.
Federal Push and Local Impact
The federal government’s new approach means more raids and arrests in San Diego. In June and July 2025, several high-profile raids took place, including one at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta restaurants in South Park. During this operation, at least 20 ICE agents detained four workers, using military-style tactics and even flash-bang grenades. Local leaders and community groups quickly criticized these actions, saying they traumatize families and damage trust between residents and law enforcement.
ICE agents now face pressure to meet daily arrest quotas. According to reports, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has called for 3,000 arrests per day. This has led to a broader range of targets, not just people with violent criminal records. Now, workers without legal status, asylum seekers attending court, and even students with revoked visas are at risk.
Enforcement by the Numbers
The numbers show just how much enforcement has increased:
- In the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term, ICE arrested 66,463 people and removed 65,682. About three-quarters of those arrested had criminal records.
- As of July 13, 2025, ICE was detaining 56,816 people nationwide, with 71.5% held in ICE detention centers.
- San Diego County is home to about 170,000 undocumented immigrants. Around 20% of the local service sector workforce is made up of immigrants without legal status.
These figures highlight the scale of the current enforcement push and the large number of people and families affected in San Diego.
Key Players and Their Positions
Federal officials, including Tom Homan, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons, and ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan, lead the enforcement efforts. They say these actions are needed for public safety and national security. Homan’s statement about “flooding the zone” shows the seriousness of the federal approach.
On the other hand, local leaders are pushing back. San Diego City Council Member Sean Elo-Rivera is preparing an ordinance for September 2025. This new law would limit how much the city cooperates with federal immigration authorities. It would also require judicial warrants for federal agents to enter non-public city spaces and would stop the city from sharing sensitive information about residents’ immigration status without a court order.
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and Representative Juan Vargas have spoken out against recent raids. They are calling for more judicial oversight and transparency in how federal agents operate in San Diego. Community groups, such as the American Friends Service Committee and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), are also stepping up. They are organizing rapid response teams, providing legal aid, and helping families affected by enforcement actions.
Policy Changes and Local Protections
San Diego is not just reacting; it is taking steps to protect its residents. Council Member Elo-Rivera’s proposed ordinance aims to:
- Limit city cooperation with federal immigration authorities
- Require judicial warrants for entry into non-public city spaces
- Codify non-disclosure of immigration status and other sensitive information without a court order
The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has also clarified its role. Officers may be present at ICE raids, but only for scene security. They do not make immigration arrests, following California’s SB 54 “sanctuary state” law. However, if there is a public safety risk, they may help federal agents.
The San Diego Unified School District is another key player. The district has reinforced its policy of not helping ICE without a warrant. It will not share student information without parental consent or a court order. The district also provides resources to families, explaining their rights and what to do if they face enforcement actions.
How the Community is Responding
Community groups, lawyers, and volunteers are working hard to support those affected by the increased enforcement. They offer rapid response services, legal representation, and mutual aid. These efforts help families stay together and understand their rights.
Residents can report suspected immigration violations to ICE using the 866-DHS-2-ICE hotline or the online tip form. The San Diego Unified School District also offers a dedicated website with information on immigration rights and support services. For updates on city ordinances and community meetings, residents can visit the official San Diego City Council website or contact Council Member Sean Elo-Rivera’s office.
Different Views on Enforcement
There is a clear divide in how people view the current situation. Local officials and community advocates argue that aggressive enforcement hurts families, damages trust, and harms the local economy. Many businesses in San Diego rely on immigrant workers, especially in the service sector. When workers are detained or deported, businesses struggle to find replacements, and families lose their main source of income.
Federal officials, however, say these actions are needed to keep the country safe. They point to the removal of people with criminal records and the fight against human smuggling as reasons for the increased enforcement.
Legal experts warn that mass deportations could make the immigration court backlog even worse. As of September 2024, there were already 3.7 million cases waiting to be heard. More enforcement could also mean more surveillance and the need for new detention centers in California.
What’s Next for San Diego?
Enforcement is expected to continue and even increase over the next three months. Local leaders are considering more ordinances and new protocols to protect residents and make enforcement actions more transparent. The use of military-style tactics, expanded surveillance, and the targeting of sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship may face legal challenges and strong community resistance.
Advocacy groups and local leaders are preparing for more raids. They are working to inform residents of their rights and the resources available to them. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these ongoing efforts by community organizations play a key role in helping families cope with the uncertainty and fear caused by increased enforcement.
Practical Guidance for Residents
If you or someone you know is affected by immigration enforcement in San Diego, here are some steps you can take:
- Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer. You do not have to open your door to ICE agents unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
- Seek Legal Help: Many local organizations offer free or low-cost legal assistance. It’s important to have a plan and know who to call if you or a family member is detained.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, such as the San Diego Unified School District’s immigration resources page and the official city website.
- Report Concerns: If you see or experience enforcement activity, you can report it to the ICE tip line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or use the online tip form on the ICE official website.
- Support Each Other: Community support is vital. Check in on neighbors, share information, and participate in local meetings or rapid response trainings.
Implications for San Diego’s Economy and Community
The increased enforcement has real effects on San Diego’s economy and daily life. With about 20% of the service sector workforce made up of immigrants without legal status, businesses face staff shortages and higher turnover. Families are separated, and children may lose access to stable housing, education, and healthcare.
Schools, churches, and community centers have become safe spaces for many families. The San Diego Unified School District’s policy of not sharing information with ICE without a warrant helps protect students and builds trust with immigrant families.
At the same time, the fear of raids and detention can keep people from seeking help, going to work, or attending school. This can lead to more isolation and hardship for already vulnerable families.
Legal and Policy Challenges Ahead
The use of military-style tactics in raids, the expansion of surveillance technology, and the targeting of sensitive locations are likely to face legal challenges. Courts may be asked to decide whether these actions violate constitutional rights or state laws like California’s SB 54.
Local leaders are also working to pass new ordinances that would limit cooperation with federal authorities and protect residents’ privacy. These efforts may set an example for other cities facing similar enforcement actions.
Resources for Affected Families
Several organizations in San Diego offer support to families facing immigration enforcement:
- American Friends Service Committee: Provides legal aid and advocacy.
- Service Employees International Union (SEIU): Offers support to workers and their families.
- Rapid Response Networks: Mobilize volunteers to monitor enforcement activity and provide immediate help.
- San Diego Unified School District: Shares information on rights and resources for students and families.
For more information on your rights and available resources, visit the San Diego Unified School District’s immigration resources page.
Looking Forward: Community Strength and Resilience
Despite the challenges, San Diego’s community is showing strength and resilience. Local leaders, advocacy groups, and residents are working together to support those affected by increased enforcement. They are pushing for policies that protect families and respect the rights of all residents.
The situation remains dynamic, with new developments expected as federal and local authorities respond to changing enforcement priorities. Staying informed, knowing your rights, and supporting each other are the best ways for San Diego residents to face these uncertain times.
As enforcement continues, it is important for everyone in San Diego to stay connected, share information, and seek help when needed. The city’s response to increased immigration enforcement will shape its future and the well-being of its diverse communities.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws, including deportations and immigration arrests nationwide.
Sanctuary city → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented residents.
Border Patrol → Federal agency monitoring U.S. borders to prevent illegal immigration and trafficking.
Judicial warrant → A legal document issued by a judge permitting law enforcement to enter or search property.
Flash-bang grenade → Non-lethal device producing loud noise and light to disorient people during raids.
This Article in a Nutshell
San Diego faces escalating immigration enforcement under new federal policies with daily ICE raids targeting noncriminal immigrants and heightened community resistance. Local groups and officials push for protections while ICE pursues large arrest quotas impacting thousands of families and businesses reliant on immigrant labor across the city.
— By VisaVerge.com
