Cities across Southern California have named themselves immigrant-friendly “sanctuary cities” as they take a stand against President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to deport millions living in the country illegally.
But their actions are not without risks — political, legal and budgetary. So what should taxpayers know when their officials declare their cities as sanctuaries?
For La Puente, which last week declared itself a sanctuary city, it’s a calculated risk, said City Manager David Carmany. He said the La Puente’s sanctuary resolution doesn’t change current practices concerning law enforcement or city services. The city contracts with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department for police services; Sheriff’s officials have stated that the agency will not detain anyone solely on suspicion of being in the country illegally.
Carmany said the La Puente City Council wanted to make a public statement “because our community has a lot of people who are very fearful right now.” Carmany said post-election concerns have caused city officials to worry that immigrant residents won’t report crimes, or will fear sending their children to school.