Huntington Beach is going against the grain in the sanctuary state of California. The city declared itself a “non-sanctuary” city on Tuesday, Jan. 21, after a unanimous vote by its council in favor of the proposal introduced by Republican Mayor Pat Burns.
The designation subverts a state law known as the California Values Act or SB-54, which limits local authorities’ ability to cooperate with federal immigration officials.
However, the state law has exceptions for violent crimes, sex abuse and felonies.
Huntington Beach challenges California Values Act
Huntington Beach is currently challenging SB-54 for the second time since 2018 in a lawsuit filed earlier this month.
In the lawsuit, the city argued the California Values Act violates the U.S. Constitution by restricting local law enforcement’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) agents.
Burns told California’s KABC News that under the freshly passed resolution, local police will follow federal immigration rules under the Trump administration.
“We need every law enforcement officer, whenever called upon, whether it be fighting terrorist, whether it be fighting purse-snatchers, or whatever it is, we have to have every law enforcement tool to best serve our citizens,” Burns said.
Burns explained that the resolution does not mean local police will patrol for undocumented immigrants or check papers. He maintained that the declaration only loosens state restrictions on local law enforcement to make the city a safer place.
Residents react to Huntington Beach declaration
However, some Huntington Beach residents opposed the declaration, telling KABC they believe it’s a danger to some within the community.
“It really disappoints me because we have separation of federal versus state laws for this reason because we need to protect our citizens within California and especially within Huntington Beach,” resident Jacquelyn Leyva said.
Burns disagreed, saying his resolution puts the city first.
The move by Huntington Beach lawmakers comes as federal authorities are reportedly initiating mass deportation efforts across the nation under orders from Trump’s administration.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to respond to Huntington Beach’s “non-sanctuary” status.
