Evergreen Reporter

America First Legal (AFL) has filed an amended lawsuit against the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Robert Bonta. The legal action is on behalf of the City of Huntington Beach, which AFL represents pro bono alongside the Huntington Beach City Attorney’s Office. The lawsuit aims to overturn California's "Sanctuary State Laws," arguing they violate federal immigration, criminal, and civil rights laws.

The Sanctuary State Laws in question restrict local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. Critics argue these laws endanger public safety by allowing illegal aliens to remain shielded from federal actions. Since the introduction of sanctuary laws in 2017, violent crime rates have reportedly increased by nearly 20 percent across California.

In 2018, Orange County released over 1,000 illegal alien inmates who had U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers into the community due to state law restrictions on notifying ICE. Of these individuals, nearly 200 were rearrested for serious crimes such as attempted murder and robbery. A similar pattern occurred in 2023 when over 500 illegal alien inmates were released under similar circumstances.

The lawsuit claims that California's Sanctuary State Laws not only hinder effective law enforcement but also force local officials to contravene federal statutes like 8 U.S.C. §§ 1324, 1373, and others. It argues these laws conflict with the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by opposing federal legislation.

AFL seeks a court injunction to prevent California from enforcing its Sanctuary State Laws and to restore Huntington Beach's capacity to protect its citizens effectively.

AFL has consistently opposed what it describes as open border policies under the Biden-Harris Administration and challenges sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. The organization views California as a significant sanctuary jurisdiction due to its policies advocated by Governor Newsom.

James Rogers, Senior Counsel at America First Legal, stated: “Federal law is clear: it is a crime to conceal, harbor, or shield illegal aliens... Our nation’s immigration laws reflect the democratic will of the people... America First Legal is proud to represent the City of Huntington Beach in its stand for sanity and the rule of law.”