Clovis Mayor Pro Tem Diane Pearce would like to see the city declare itself as a non-sanctuary city.
Such a declaration would follow in the footsteps of Huntington Beach, which approved a measure to declare itself a non-sanctuary city for illegal immigration.
Driving the news: Huntington Beach’s declaration is an act to sidestep Gov. Gavin Newsom’s immigration policies.
- The city said in a press release that the city is cooperating with the federal government, the Trump administration and Border Czar Tom Homan.
- “This new City policy and Declaration are common sense, supports our law enforcement, and advances public safety throughout the City,” Huntington Beach said in a statement. “What the Governor is doing does not. Neither the Governor nor the State Legislature with the passage of laws may interfere with the City’s voluntary cooperation with federal authorities, nor cause or compel the City to violate federal laws such as Title 8 Section 1324 for the harboring of illegal immigrants.”
What she’s saying: Pearce posed a question on Facebook on Wednesday: “Would you like to see Clovis declare itself a ‘Non-Sanctuary City?’”
- Pearce said she has received several messages recently from Clovis residents asking where she stands on illegal immigration and sanctuary city policy.
- “I was elected to the Clovis City Council on a platform of public safety first. Nothing is more important than tracking down those who would harm members of our community,” Pearce wrote. “My vote would be in FAVOR of working with federal authorities in accordance with federal law (which supersedes State law). Huntington Beach has asked that other cities join them as they face certain litigation threats from Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta.”
- Pearce said like-minded communities will be stronger if they stand together.
- “The Department of Justice has made it clear criminal prosecution is on the table for local officials who stand in the way of federal authorities doing their jobs,” Pearce said.
- She added that elected officials “should be far more concerned with the supremacy of the federal government and not ‘aiding or abetting’ or ‘harboring unauthorized aliens’” as outlined in federal law.
- “Here in Clovis, I am just one vote on a five-member Council,” Pearce wrote. “If the citizens of Clovis feel strongly about this issue, I invite them to reach out to the other members of the Council. I personally would like to see Clovis continue to stand strong for public safety.”