Officials in Huntington Beach, Calif. voted to become “non-sanctuary city” at a Tuesday meeting, citing an effort to work alongside President Trump’s administration to prevent crime.
“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,” lawmakers wrote in a statement urging other cities to adopt a similar resolution.
“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,” they added.
Their new legislation offers a stark contrast to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.), who declared the 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, introduced by Mayor Pat Burns (R ).
“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,” Burns said in a statement.
