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No anti-ICE zones for San Luis Obispo County

January 15, 2026

District Attorney Dan Dow

Statement from the SLO County District Attorney’s Office

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office recognizes and respects the long-standing constitutional right of individuals to peacefully protest, petition the government, and exercise free speech in public forums. These rights are fundamental to our democracy and remain protected here in San Luis Obispo County.

At the same time, we want to remind the community that while lawful protest is protected, activities that cross the line into violence or other criminal conduct are not. When protest activity becomes unlawful, it may result in arrest and prosecution, just as with any other criminal behavior referred to our office.

Our role is not to evaluate the political message being expressed, but to uphold the law fairly and impartially. If charges are filed, each defendant is treated with respect and dignity throughout the justice process and is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

We have also received questions regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the concept of so-called “ICE-Free Zones.” It is important for the public to understand that federal law applies nationwide under the U.S. Constitution, and local or state governments do not have the authority to prohibit lawful federal enforcement activities. Terms such as “ICE-Free Zones” or “sanctuary” designations are often symbolic and do not override federal jurisdiction.

As District Attorney Dan Dow has stated:

“I will always support the rights of people to protest; however, I strongly urge them to do so safely and within the limits of both Federal and California law. Any behavior that is violent or otherwise criminal will detract from the weight and value of your political speech and may lead to arrest and prosecution.”

We encourage everyone to exercise their rights peacefully, responsibly, and safely. Our office remains committed to upholding the Constitution, protecting public safety, and ensuring equal justice under the law for all.

 


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Great Dan now go tell Parkinson to arrest the protesters that were in the lobby of the county jail obstructing ice officers.


35

SLO County is fortunate to have Dan Dow as its District Attorney, he is exceptional.


DA Dow thank you for protecting the rights of the hard working, law abiding, and tax paying, citizens of SLO county …


23

I support ICE 100%….


67

No one asked.


-58

I support ICE too since you asked


31

I support the concept. Support law enforcement over all.

But this version of ICE is worthless and a waste of money.

They function like antifa. Organized agitators.


-31

This is the result of Democrats flooding our country with illegal immigrants.


Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.


2

Protesting’s stupid.


24

Plenty of countries you could go live in that agree. If you like how things are going right now, great. Don’t protest. But down the line when you disagree with how things are going, how are you going to show it? Sit home and post on the internet? Cute.


12

I know. That Boston Tea party was a bonehead idea.


9

Arrest Biden.


29

Mayorkis is the one that should be arrested. Biden put him in charge of the border and mayorkis allowed the immigrants flow in as they please ignoring federal laws.


12

The only “NO ICE ZONES” are north of the U.S.-Canadian border and south of the U.S.-Mexico border. JUST AN ABSOLUTE FACT and that’s the law and everyone needs to realize this.


Keep up the good work Dan!!!!!


28

The most important anti-ICE zones are schools where LE needs a judicial search warrant to go into. ICE seems to be ignoring search warrants and appear to be going wherever they want (see teargassed high school students in Minneapolis). I fear the central coast, with a large immigrant population, will become a battleground in the spring and summer. I wonder who will play the Rachel Good role in sleepy SLO. Careful what you wish for, Mr. District Attorney.


-30

I know of some “Good” candidates to play the role you speak of.


I welcome the surge of ICE here locally. Come clean out SLO county of all the illegal bedding down here locally.


That one way ticket I offered is still on the table for you whenever you’re ready!!!!


2

Well said Dan!!!!!


23

Also, while federal law may pre-empt state law, it does not do so in the context of the local district attorney, who is required to follow state law.


-86

In that vein, the county should ignore state sanctuary law protecting violent criminals and then San Ludicrous can ignore county law and harbor all the illegal pedos and murderers, and so on


11

  • Local district attorneys must adhere to federal laws as part of the legal framework.

  • Federal law supersedes state and local laws under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

  • District attorneys can enforce federal laws in their jurisdictions, especially in cases involving federal crimes.

  • They may collaborate with federal agencies for investigations and prosecutions.

  • However, they primarily focus on state and local laws in their day-to-day operations.

  • Local policies and priorities can influence how federal laws are applied at the local level.


So is this another part of the U.S. Constitution that liberals ignore?


6

This appears to be an attempt to place a chill on first amendment activity in this county and will likely guarantee the local D.A.’s office is removed from any cases of this nature that might arise in the county. If not this post, then certainly his other social media posts will lead to that result.


-108

Rioting for r*pists is quite the hill to die on


25

Sounds like January 6th to me.


-17

Because he’s reminding people to obey the law?


27
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