The Huntington Beach City Council has unanimously voted to declare the city a “non-sanctuary city” in response to California’s statewide sanctuary law. In a 7-0 decision on Tuesday evening, the council approved the resolution introduced by Mayor Pat Burns, signaling support for federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Mayor Burns emphasized the importance of aligning local law enforcement with federal immigration protocols. He argued that the state’s sanctuary policies hinder collaboration between local agencies and federal authorities, which he believes is vital for public safety.
“We need every law enforcement effort, whenever called upon—whether it be fighting terrorists or purse snatchers—to best serve our citizens,” Burns said.
The resolution does not direct local police to actively enforce immigration laws or target individuals based on immigration status. Instead, it aims to ensure that Huntington Beach is not restricted from cooperating with federal agencies when necessary.
California’s sanctuary law, designed to limit local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration matters, has faced criticism from leaders like Burns, who see it as a barrier to public safety. By declaring Huntington Beach a “non-sanctuary city for illegal immigration for the prevention of crime,” the resolution underscores the city’s commitment to supporting federal efforts.
“It’s not meaning that our police are going to patrol and pull over people for being illegal. That’s a federal job,” Burns clarified.
This move aligns Huntington Beach with the Trump administration’s stance on immigration enforcement and border security. It reflects growing local opposition to California’s sanctuary policies, which some argue prioritize the protection of undocumented immigrants over public safety.
By passing this resolution, Huntington Beach positions itself as a city prioritizing law enforcement’s ability to collaborate with federal agencies, ensuring all available resources are utilized to protect its residents.