Kaitlyn Allen wears a Trump 2024 flag in her hair at the Republican headquarters on Election night, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
OROVILLE, CA – The Oroville City Council has unanimously passed a resolution declaring the city a “non-sanctuary city,” signaling a symbolic challenge to California’s pro-immigration laws. The move, while pledging “full cooperation” with federal law enforcement, is framed by officials as not violating the state’s sanctuary law.
The resolution, approved Tuesday, states Oroville’s opposition to sanctuary policies that “may place our citizens at unnecessary risk” and reaffirms the city’s commitment to working with all law enforcement agencies. Mayor David Pittman explained that the city does not want to “harbor or be a refuge” for criminals.
The decision reflects a broader trend of California towns and cities that supported Donald Trump in the 2020 election pushing back against state immigration laws. Butte County, where Oroville is located, favored Trump over Kamala Harris.
The city asserts it will adhere to the California Values Act (SB54), the state’s sanctuary law, which restricts local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. An initial version of the resolution, directing city staff to implement “non-sanctuary” status, was amended to avoid potential legal issues.
This move comes after Huntington Beach also passed a similar resolution and filed a lawsuit challenging the state law. Oroville is reportedly considering joining that legal effort.
Council Member Scott Thomson, who championed the resolution, argued that it aims to protect residents from repeat criminal offenders who are in the country illegally. He believes these individuals should be turned over to federal immigration authorities. “The resolution is not about politics,” Thomson said, emphasizing it prioritizes public safety.
Opponents, like Oroville resident Kimberly Mitchell, cite research showing immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens. She argued the city should focus on local economic development rather than symbolic gestures. “Of the issues Oroville is facing, I think immigration is not one of them,” Mitchell stated.
Oroville has previously taken symbolic stances against state and federal regulations, notably declaring itself a “constitutional republic” in 2021 to oppose COVID-19 mandates.
