Illegal immigrants caught selling drugs in San Francisco could be deported by federal agents

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco is embroiled in a nationwide fight against the fentanyl crisis. The federal government’s involvement in trying to contain the epidemic also means that some suspected drug dealers could face the possibility of deportation.

San Francisco has been a city of sanctuary since 1989. This means city employees cannot use city funds or resources to enforce federal immigration policies.

However, once drug dealers are convicted in federal courts, their case extends beyond the city’s jurisdiction and could result in deportation.

2023 was San Francisco’s deadliest year on record for drug overdoses, with more than 800 people dying, according to the city medical examiner. 2024 is trending downward, but there are still nearly 500 overdose deaths this year. That’s prompting a ramp-up in enforcement, with even the federal government getting involved.

MORE: Cautious optimism: San Francisco drug overdose deaths hit 4-year low

“We are working hand in hand with them to solve this massive crisis that exists not only here in San Francisco but across the world,” said Mayor London Breed.

Mayor London Breed confirmed that San Francisco continues to abide by its sanctuary city policy, which means the city cannot cooperate with ICE to facilitate deportations, but the federal government can still deport drug dealers if they are undocumented.

“Fentanyl kills people and our sanctuary city policy in our city does not protect against violent crime, just like fentanyl does. It is a violent crime, especially if someone overdoses and dies. The federal government uses it as a tool because they don’t have the restrictions that we have under our sanctuary city policy,” said Mayor Breed.

Del Seymore is the founder of the nonprofit Code Tenderloin. He says he has seen more arrests of drug dealers and that has led to improvements.

MORE: San Francisco’s Month-Long Tenderloin Curfew: Is It Working?

“They’re doing more activity in the Tenderloin — we’ve noticed that in the last three months,” Seymore said. “They’re actually going out and intervening in drug dealers and drug deals.”

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins confirmed her office is aggressively pursuing drug dealers.

“I am grateful to all local, state and federal partners who have come together to share resources and work together to close open drug markets and create safe neighborhoods for our residents and families,” said DA Jenkins.

The DA has convicted 168 people and pleaded guilty in 96 other cases this year. Their records show 571 pending drug cases. They do not keep records of immigration status.

MORE: Three Men Charged with Drug Trafficking in Tenderloin Extradited from Honduras to SF

The nonprofit Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), which provides legal services to undocumented immigrants, wants the city to remember its responsibility as a city of sanctuary.

“The sanctuary city of San Francisco also guarantees people the right to due process. So if someone is accused of a crime, they have the right to their day in court,” said Lariza Dugan-Cuadra, executive director of Carecen. “If someone is acquitted after their day in court and found not guilty of the crime they are charged with, they should be able to walk away.”

Once convicted, drug dealers must serve time in federal prison. If they are undocumented, they can be deported.

We contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office to find out if this is happening. They told us they do not keep records of how many convicted drug dealers are deported.