Huntington Beach Initiates Sanctuary Lawsuit

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Huntington Beach has joined with the opposition and one-upped fellow Orange County cities with a vote to file a lawsuit against the state of California, further bucking the California State Sanctuary Law. The Huntington Beach City Council voted to file suit against California challenging the law's legality of SB 54, which limits cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities.

During city council sessions, Huntington Beach voted to sue by a 6-1 vote.

In March, Los Alamitos voted i to exempt itself from the law, Huntington Beach could become the first city in California to sue the state over the issue, Mayor Mike Posey said. Posey and Councilman Erik Peterson put the item on the agenda, calling SB 54 "constitutional overreach."

The vote also directs City Attorney Michael Gates "to work with the county or other municipalities that wish to join our efforts," according to the Orange County Register.

Hundreds gathered at the meeting and over 100 people spoke passionately about undocumented immigrants and sanctuary cities. Constant audience outbursts included insults about minorities, according to the newspaper. Many who spoke at the meeting road-tripped from other states, decking themselves out in red-white and blue, American flags and pro-President Trump wear.

One such speaker, who claimed to represent the Concerned Citizens of California, Stella Stevens, asked for support while holding a "No, No, No Sanctuary State sign."

"We feel these issues cripple law enforcement, and that such laws are constitutional overreaches," she said.

Many of those in support of the lawsuit traveled to the chamber from other cities and even states to share their thoughts on the matter.

"There are a lot of voices here that are not Huntington Beach taxpayers," said resident Wendy Rinkind. "I am heartbroken but not surprised by the hateful rhetoric you brought forth with this resolution," added Huntington Beach resident Cynthia Valencia, according to the Register.

But resident Bill Martin quipped that he is "part of the hate circus" -- as one speaker described the out-of-towners.

"Open borders take away the identity of a country and of a city," he said.

Huntington Beach resident Stella Song, a retired bank manager, spoke on her experience migrating to the United States in a legal manner.

"We migrated to the United States many years ago, after three years, ensuring that we would not be a financial liability to the state," she said. "We need immediate change."

At the table, the councilmembers discussed the comments and the repercussions of initiating the lawsuit.

Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize choked up as she described her reaction to some of the derogatory comments about immigrants. "I'm heartbroken," she said.

"We are going after the legality of this law, and when we win it will invalidate the law for the entire state," Mayor Pro Tem Erik Peterson said, after the motion passed 7-0.

Still, Delgleize voted in favor of the lawsuit, saying that the city's police chief had expressed support for it.

Huntington Beach City Council Meeting