Huntington Beach, California, has approved an initiative to declare itself a “Non-Sanctuary City for Illegal Immigration for the Prevention of Crime.”
The Huntington Beach City Council voted to approve the initiative brought by Mayor Pat Burns.
“We promised to protect the residents of Huntington Beach and unfortunately at this point we have to protect them from the state, from the governor and from the, thank goodness former President Biden,” city council member Gracey Van Der Mark said at the meeting, according to Ali Bradley.
#BREAKING Huntington Beach, California becomes a “Non-Sanctuary City” —The city council voting unanimously tonight bucking Governor Newsom’s sanctuary stance.
The initiative was introduced by Mayor Pat Burns “for the Prevention of Crime.”
City council member Gracey Van Der… pic.twitter.com/H1tt2GAwIq
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 22, 2025
“As the City Council Members commented, the intent of this Resolution is to deliberately sidestep the Governor’s efforts to subvert the good work of federal immigration authorities and to announce the City’s cooperation with the federal government, the Trump Administration, and Border Czar Tom Homan’s work. This new City policy and Declaration are common sense, supports our law enforcement, and advances public safety throughout the City. What the Governor is doing does not,” the lawmakers wrote in a statement.
“Neither the Governor nor the State Legislature with the passage of laws may interfere with the City’s voluntary cooperation with federal authorities, nor cause or compel the City to violate federal laws such as Title 8 Section 1324 for the harboring of illegal immigrants,” it continued.
WATCH:
BREAKING: The City Council of Huntington Beach, California, just voted to defy Gavin Newsom & designate themselves as a “NON-sanctuary city” to allow President Trump & ICE to conduct massive deportation raids.
“We are not going to be violating federal immigration laws… pic.twitter.com/QapUF62pNB
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 22, 2025
The Hill reports:
Their new legislation offers a stark contrast to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who declared the Golden State was “ready to fight” the new Trump administration. He and the Huntington Beach City Council have clashed before over housing laws intended to drive down rent costs.
“Huntington Beach continues to fail its residents,” Newsom said of the controversy in 2023.
The governor’s office did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment on the city’s new measure, which was introduced by Mayor Pat Burns (R).
“City Officials have a duty to follow all laws, including federal immigration laws and neither the Governor nor the State will interfere with that. The City encourages other cities to join Huntington Beach by adopting their own Resolutions,” the statement added.
“I am pleased the City Council unanimously supported my initiative. This will be another effective tool to combat crime and it will be a signal to would-be criminals, do not come to Huntington Beach,” Mayor Burns stated.
Tonight, the Huntington Beach City Council voted to approve the initiative brought by Mayor Pat Burns to Declare the City of Huntington Beach a “Non-Sanctuary City for Illegal Immigration for the Prevention of Crime.”
As the City Council Members commented, the intent of this… pic.twitter.com/WzVeIJpFy8
— City of Huntington Beach (@CityofHBPIO) January 22, 2025
Per KTLA 5:
Burns’ declaration came a day after the swearing-in of President Donald Trump, who signed a plethora of executive orders in the first hours of his second term as Commander-in-Chief, including several on immigration.
Among the orders were a national emergency declaration at the southern border – which allows for the mobilization of additional resources to the region – as well as the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires individuals to await asylum proceedings in Mexico regardless of their country of origin.
ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, Border Czar Tom Homan stated that the Trump Administration will be ending the federal “catch-and-release” program, which allows immigrants who entered the country illegally to remain in the U.S. given they are in the process for asylum.
Homan, speaking to NewsNation in December, was clear in his message to anyone trying to illegally enter the United States.
“Stay in your homeland [and] be safe,” he said. “Crossing into this country illegally is very dangerous.”
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.
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