A Southern California City Sues State Over Sanctuary Laws
The city of Huntington Beach, California is suing the state over sanctuary laws that limit cooperation between local authorities and immigration officials. The lawsuit, which names California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta as defendants, challenges the California Values Act, or SB 54, which limits local and state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities except in certain cases.
Huntington Beach claims that the law forces local officials to violate federal immigration laws and hinders their ability to communicate with federal authorities. The city’s city attorney, Michael Gates, stated that the law “acts as a barrier to any communication or coordination” and prevents voluntary cooperation with federal agencies.
The city also argues that as a Charter City, it should have full control over its police department and that the state should not interfere in its law enforcement practices. Gates claimed that the sanctuary state law is unconstitutional and obstructs the city’s ability to enforce the law and keep its community safe.
The city is citing specific cases of alleged crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including a woman who was allegedly set ablaze by an illegal immigrant on the subway in New York City and a member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang that briefly terrorized an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado.
However, supporters of the law argue that it provides protection for illegal immigrants who report crimes and that it does not impede criminal investigations. Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office stated that it plans to defend SB 54 and that it will not allow the federal government to dictate its immigration enforcement practices.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal battles between Huntington Beach and the state. The city has also appealed a ruling related to voter ID laws and has lost a lawsuit over state housing mandates.