Sanctuary Policies, ICE Enforcement, and Federal Funding: What Nonprofits Need to Know

As federal immigration enforcement intensifies in 2026, nonprofit organizations across California are navigating renewed uncertainty. Increased ICE activity, including workplace enforcement actions, courthouse arrests, expanded detention operations, and renewed pressure on local jurisdictions, is creating operational, legal, and safety concerns for many organizations, particularly those serving immigrant communities.

At the same time, the City and County of San Francisco and other jurisdictions are challenging federal efforts to threaten funding over “sanctuary” status. While a federal court has issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement and there is currently no impact on federal funding, significant legal and policy questions remain.

But beyond understanding the legal landscape, many nonprofit leaders are asking: How do we move from concern to coordinated action?

Our panel will cover:

✔️ How to plug into statewide and regional efforts
✔️ The current legal status of sanctuary jurisdictions and federal funding
✔️ What increased ICE activity means for nonprofit operations, staff, and clients
✔️ Practical steps organizations can take now to protect data, support staff, and prepare leadership

Our speakers will include:

• Geoff Green, CEO, CalNonprofits
• Efrain Escobado, President and CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management 
• Jeannette Zanipatin, Director of Policy and Advocacy, CHIRLA
• Rev. John Fanestil, Executive Director, Friends of International Friendship Park
• Nonoko Sato, President & CEO, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits 
• Primitiva Hernandez, Executive Director, 805 UndocuFund