Butte County District Attorney Michael L. Ramsey speaks during a press conference after Park Fire arson suspect Ronnie Dean Stout II was arraigned in Oroville, California on July 29, 2024.
Oroville, California – In a move that sets it apart from most of California, the city of Oroville has officially declared itself a non-sanctuary city, making it one of only two municipalities in the state to take such a stance. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Oroville City Council on March 4, positions the city in direct opposition to the sanctuary policies embraced by many other communities across California.
Sanctuary cities typically offer resources to immigrants regardless of legal status, including access to English-learning classes and documents needed to obtain driver’s licenses. They also limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented individuals from deportation. Over the past decade, an increasing number of states, counties, and cities have adopted sanctuary policies, reinforcing California’s reputation as a stronghold for immigrant protections.
Oroville, a city in Butte County approximately 70 miles north of Sacramento, now stands alongside Huntington Beach in Southern California as one of the only two cities in the state that have opted out of sanctuary policies. According to city officials, the decision was made in response to concerns over crime and public safety.
“The city opposes any policies or practices that harbor or protect individuals from prosecution by state or federal law enforcement agencies, as such actions may place our citizens at unnecessary risk,” the resolution states. “The City of Oroville believes that cooperation with federal authorities is essential to reduce crime and safeguard its citizens.”
The resolution specifically frames the decision as targeting criminals, particularly undocumented immigrants, rather than the broader immigrant population. Still, the move aligns Oroville with national efforts to crack down on sanctuary cities, a stance that has been a point of contention between local governments and federal authorities in recent years.
This decision comes amid ongoing legal battles between the Trump administration and multiple California cities—including Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco—over federal funding cuts tied to sanctuary status. As lawsuits unfold, cities that oppose sanctuary policies, like Oroville, may find themselves in a unique position when it comes to federal funding and law enforcement partnerships.
While supporters argue that Oroville’s new stance enhances public safety, critics say it could discourage undocumented residents from reporting crimes or seeking essential services out of fear of deportation. The long-term effects of the decision remain to be seen, but Oroville’s bold stance could set the stage for other California cities to reconsider their own policies on immigration enforcement.
