Huntington Park unanimously passes sanctuary city ordinance

On July 7, the Huntington Park City Council voted 5-0 to be officially designated as a Sanctuary City. The ordinance prohibits the use of city resources, personnel and facilities for federal immigration enforcement unless explicitly required by law.

The council said in a statement that this vote was a direct response to multiple reports of unmarked federal vehicles detaining individuals without warrants or proper identification.

“These unauthorized tactics have undermined public confidence and posed serious questions about constitutional protections and community safety,” the statement says. 

A week before, Huntington Park announced the detention of an individual who was impersonating a federal agent. 

Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores said this ordinance is a long-overdue correction that affirms the city values and defends its residents, something that previous leaders have ignored for years.

“We will take a stand against the deliberate targeting and victimization of our community,” said Flores. “Now we have unknown individuals disrupting our neighborhoods and sowing fear throughout our community—often in ways that appeared to trample on the very constitutional rights meant to protect us all.”

Huntington Park is about 96% Latino, primarily Mexicans and Mexican Americans, including many undocumented immigrants. 

Councilman Jonathan Sanabria said after seeing the massive raids in the City of Los Angeles, it was only right to show local elected officials in Huntington Park standing with the immigrant community.

He said in the past the council received some backlash with concerns that the ordinance would create conflict with federal authorities or risk funding, especially since Huntington Park is a small city. 

“But at the end of the day, this was about making a clear statement; that our city stands for dignity, safety and respect for all residents, regardless of status,” he said. 

Ordinances approved

The Sanctuary City ordinance prohibits cooperation with immigration enforcement activities that lack judicial warrants or legal authority. It protects sensitive personal information of all residents, including immigration status, from being shared with federal agencies. 

It requires transparency and public reporting of any contact with immigration authorities. It establishes a private right of action for individuals whose rights may be violated under this ordinance.

Additionally, the council approved $150,000 to implement the “HP With You” pilot initiative. This program will provide food relief, legal assistance and other resources to residents of the city affected by the recent ICE raids. 

Residents impacted by the ICE raids or who witness ICE activity are encouraged to call the hotline at (323) 383-7654.