Mountain View adopts ordinance to block ICE detention centers

The Mountain View City Council has unanimously approved an “urgency ordinance” to prevent the establishment of immigration detention, custodial, or processing facilities within the city. The measure implements a temporary moratorium on the filing, acceptance, and approval of applications for such facilities to “preserve the status quo.”

While the ordinance is effective immediately, it is initially set to last for 45 days, expiring on November 27. However, the City Council maintains the authority to extend the moratorium for an additional 22 months and 15 days. During this period, city staff will evaluate the potential impacts of detention centers and explore regulatory options through land use and zoning changes.

The policy does not apply to routine law enforcement or specific activities, such as medical facilities limiting patient movement, supervision in schools or childcare centers, and judicial hearing locations. Although there are currently no U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in Mountain View, officials stated the move is a proactive effort to close potential loopholes.