Oroville (Thechieftainspear) – Oroville, a city of nearly 20,000 residents in Butte County, has officially declared itself a “non-sanctuary city” through a resolution emphasizing collaboration with federal law enforcement. City officials clarified that the move does not contradict California’s existing sanctuary law but serves as a statement of opposition to policies they believe could jeopardize public safety.
The resolution, passed unanimously by the seven-member City Council, asserts Oroville’s commitment to working with law enforcement at all levels to apprehend and prosecute criminals. It also expresses disapproval of sanctuary policies, which some officials argue create unnecessary risks for local residents.
Mayor David Pittman stated that Oroville is not a known hub for undocumented immigrants but acknowledged that concerns over crime tied to illegal immigration persist among residents. “We don’t want to be a haven for anyone involved in criminal activities, regardless of the offense,” Pittman told reporters.
California’s sanctuary state law, enacted in 2017 as the California Values Act, limits how local and state law enforcement agencies can cooperate with federal immigration authorities. While it prevents authorities from transferring individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under most circumstances, exceptions exist for those convicted of serious or violent felonies. However, the law does not prohibit local police from enforcing criminal statutes or working with federal agencies on non-immigration-related crimes.
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Though Oroville’s resolution opposes sanctuary policies, city leaders stressed that they will continue to comply with state law. An initial version of the resolution included a directive for the city administrator and police chief to implement non-sanctuary status, but this language was later removed to avoid potential legal complications.
Council Member Scott Thomson, who championed the resolution, argued that policies like the California Values Act allow repeat offenders to remain in communities instead of being handed over to federal immigration officials. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about keeping our residents safe from individuals with criminal records who would otherwise face deportation,” he said during the meeting.
The resolution follows a broader pattern of California cities, particularly in more conservative regions, pushing back against state-level policies. Huntington Beach, located in Los Angeles County, passed a similar non-sanctuary resolution earlier this year and is currently involved in a lawsuit challenging California’s sanctuary law. Oroville officials have indicated they may explore legal action as well.
San Francisco and the state of California have repeatedly clashed with federal officials over sanctuary policies, with the Trump administration attempting to withhold funding from jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Federal courts previously ruled in favor of San Francisco, affirming that the city could maintain its sanctuary status without losing federal resources.
Supporters of sanctuary laws argue that they foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, making people more likely to report crimes and cooperate with investigations without fear of deportation. However, opponents like Thomson contend that such policies prioritize the rights of undocumented individuals over public safety.
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At the Council meeting, some residents voiced opposition to the resolution, arguing that immigration is not a pressing issue for Oroville. Local resident Kimberly Mitchell cited studies showing that immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born citizens and questioned the city’s focus on symbolic political gestures. “Instead of spending time on statements that don’t change the reality of life in Oroville, we should be investing in solutions that improve our economy and support our community,” she said.
Oroville has previously taken symbolic stances against government policies. In 2021, the city declared itself a “constitutional republic” in response to COVID-19 mandates, refusing to enforce regulations it deemed unconstitutional.
While the non-sanctuary resolution does not alter Oroville’s legal obligations, it highlights the ongoing divide between California’s rural and urban areas regarding immigration and law enforcement policies.
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