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Speak Up Newport Meeting to Address Federal Regulatory Changes

Citizens engage in a community discussion on federal regulations at Speak Up Newport meeting.

News Summary

The upcoming Speak Up Newport meeting will focus on the impact of federal regulatory changes and program funding on local governments. The meeting will feature local experts discussing key issues, including the sanctuary city designation of Huntington Beach. Attendees can participate in person or via Zoom, making it accessible to a broader audience. The meeting aims to engage the community in important discussions about governance and public safety.

Newport Beach – A Speak Up Newport meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Civic Center Community Room, located at 100 Civic Center Drive. This meeting will examine the effects of federal regulatory changes and program funding on local governmental agencies, providing a platform for community members to engage with local experts.

The event will begin with a reception hosted by The Bungalow Restaurant at 5:15 p.m., allowing attendees to meet and discuss issues informally before the official program. The meeting features three local experts: Peter Demarco, the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Orange County Executive Office; Tara Finnegan, the Assistant City Manager of Newport Beach; and Todd Priest, a government relations specialist from Todd Priest & Associates. Each of these contributors will share their insights on how federal regulations affect local governance and funding priorities.

The meeting is free to attend, with parking available in the Civic Center Parking Structure and adjacent lots. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be simulcast on Zoom, with registration available through the Speak Up Newport website.

Key Issues Under Discussion

Among the pressing topics to be discussed is the controversial designation of Huntington Beach as a sanctuary city by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The City Council of Huntington Beach has officially declared the city a “non-sanctuary city,” a designation that opposes the state’s immigration law and aims to clarify its position on federal immigration enforcement.

According to the DHS, sanctuary jurisdictions impede the enforcement of federal immigration laws, which they argue can negatively impact community safety. In response, Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns has labeled the DHS designation as misleading, highlighting the city’s commitment to uphold public safety while maintaining its stance against the designation.

In contrast, officials from Santa Ana reaffirm their support for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. The city is currently considering a policy to alert the public about planned ICE activities, thereby aiming to protect its community while navigating the complexities of federal and state immigration laws.

Wider Context of Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Huntington Beach is not alone in being listed as a sanctuary city, with other Southern California cities, including Culver City, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Malibu, Pasadena, Palm Springs, and San Diego also categorized as such. Notably, Orange County remains one of the few areas that have not been included on the DHS sanctuary list.

The designations issued by the DHS are based on compliance factors, reflecting how local or state policies align with federal immigration efforts. These designations are subject to regular reviews and updates, indicating that the landscape of immigration policy can change based on local government decisions and federal actions.

Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes has publicly stated that his department will not enforce federal immigration laws, but will not obstruct federal authorities in their efforts. He has criticized state measures that limit the collaboration between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement, asserting that such restrictions complicate the local enforcement landscape.

Last year alone, around 733 suspects booked by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department attracted ICE’s attention; however, many were not taken into custody by federal agents. The discussion at the upcoming Speak Up Newport meeting will likely touch on these complexities, exploring how shifting federal regulations and local responses align and diverge, shaping the community’s approach to governance and public safety.