LA suburb doubles down on sanctuary city policies as neighboring city burns
As wildfires ravage neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the city council members of Long Beach have taken a strong stance against President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations by doubling down on their sanctuary city policies. This decision comes as part of a growing trend among Democrat-controlled cities and states to resist the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
The Long Beach council recently voted to bolster the “Long Beach Values Act,” which was originally passed during Trump’s first term in 2017. This new measure includes allocating an additional $200,000 in city funding to provide free legal representation to immigrants facing deportation. This funding adds to the existing $1.1 million available through the Long Beach Justice Fund for immigrants in need of legal assistance.
Mayor Rex Richardson, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of standing firm on their principles in the face of challenges from the new administration. He stated, “No matter who is in power in Washington, I believe that we have a responsibility to stand firm on our principles, so all of our residents feel safe and seen and protected regardless of how they pray, or who they love or where they were born.”
In addition to the financial support for legal representation, the measure also prohibits third-party city contractors from sharing data with federal immigration enforcement agencies. It further calls for various city authorities, including the police oversight, city attorney, city prosecutor, and city auditor, to commit to complying with the Long Beach Values Act.
While the passage of this measure was celebrated by local immigrant rights activist group Órale as a significant step towards true sanctuary status, concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of defying federal immigration authorities. A memo from Deputy City Manager Meredith Reynolds warned that Long Beach could lose millions in federal funding if they do not cooperate with immigration enforcement.
Despite these warnings, Mayor Richardson remained confident in resisting the Trump administration’s agenda. However, Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, has cautioned local officials against obstructing ICE or federal authorities, stating that harboring and concealing illegal aliens from ICE is a felony.
The decision by Long Beach to strengthen its sanctuary city policies reflects a broader trend of defiance against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. It underscores the city’s commitment to protecting and supporting all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
