Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules (CLEAR)
Frequently Asked Questions
The CLEAR Ordinance (Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules), adopted in January 2026, ensures accountability and protects civil liberties in County facilities, particularly regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interactions.
Q: What prompted the County to adopt the CLEAR Ordinance now?
A: The ordinance was introduced to strengthen civil liberties and ensure that County facilities remain safe spaces for all residents and employees. It reflects community concerns about immigration enforcement in public service settings and aligns with our commitment to transparency and trust.
Q: Is this ordinance intended to protect undocumented immigrants specifically?
A: No. It is designed to protect the rights of visitors and employees alike and ensure that everyone can access County services—such as healthcare, legal aid, and social support—without fear of enforcement actions.
Q: How does this ordinance align with state or federal laws?
A: The ordinance does not conflict with state or federal law. It simply requires law enforcement agencies to follow the law by presenting a judicial warrant or court order before entering non-public areas of County facilities.
Q: Will this ordinance affect cooperation with federal agencies on criminal investigations?
A: No. The ordinance does not prevent lawful cooperation.
Q: Could this limit the County’s ability to respond to emergencies involving federal partners?
A: No. Emergency response and public safety coordination remain unaffected. It simply makes sure that people are not blocked from essential services because of who they are or what legally protected activities they are engaged in.
Q: How does the ordinance address concerns about public safety?
A: The ordinance does not interfere with criminal investigations or emergency response. It ensures that people are not blocked from accessing essential services.
Q: Will the County disclose any incidents where federal agents access non-public areas of a County facility?
A: Transparency is a key component of the ordinance. All such incidents will be documented and reported to the Board.
Q: How will the County monitor and enforce compliance among contractors and vendors?
A: All contracts will include compliance requirements. Contractors and vendors will receive clear instructions and may face penalties or termination for non-compliance.
Q: Are there any penalties for County staff or contractors who violate the ordinance?
A: Any violations of this ordinance by an employee will be reviewed and assessed, as with any other policy violation, for appropriate corrective action. For contractors, violation of this policy may result in contract termination or other penalties.
Q: How will residents know about their rights under this ordinance?
A: The County posts multilingual signage in all facilities providing services to the public and shares information through community outreach, social media, and the County website.
Q: What information will be included in the annual public report?
A: The report has a number of categories, including a summary of known law enforcement activity involving a protected characteristic or activity.
