Huntington Beach, California, has found itself in an unexpected situation after being named on a federal list of “sanctuary jurisdictions” that the Department of Homeland Security claims are actively obstructing federal immigration law enforcement. This designation came as a shock to local officials, especially since the Huntington Beach City Council unanimously declared the city as a “non-sanctuary city for illegal immigration” just earlier in January.
Mayor Pat Burns expressed his confusion and frustration over the listing, stating, “I’ve already called somebody with the feds and said this couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s straighten it out.” He criticized the decision, calling it “very negligent” and voiced his desire to learn more about how this list was compiled.
The federal list includes over 600 cities, counties, and states accused of providing safe harbor to “dangerous criminal aliens.” This action follows an executive order from April, which threatens these jurisdictions with the loss of federal contracts and raises concerns that they may be violating the law.
Despite the controversy, this situation highlights the ongoing national debate regarding immigration policies and local governance. Huntington Beach’s local leadership remains determined to clarify its stance against illegal immigration and protect its reputation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the differing perspectives among local and federal authorities. Huntington Beach officials are actively seeking to resolve this misrepresentation, underscoring their commitment to lawful immigration practices.