The mayor of Newport Beach, California, Will O'Neill, has publicly condemned California's sanctuary state policies following the apprehension of 21 migrants near the city's coast. O'Neill argues that these policies, designed to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation, have inadvertently encouraged illegal immigration and created public safety concerns.

The recent incident involved 18 Mexican nationals, two Uzbekistani citizens, and one Russian individual being detained by the U.S. Coast Guard and subsequently transferred to Customs and Border Protection. O'Neill attributes this and similar events to the state's "extreme" policies, which he believes shield even known criminals from deportation, thereby incentivizing illegal border crossings.

The mayor specifically pointed to SB 54, also known as the "California Values Act," which restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. This law, enacted in 2017, limits immigration enforcement in various public spaces like schools, hospitals, and courthouses.

O'Neill highlighted a growing trend of migrants bypassing the southern border and arriving by boat, often disappearing into the state upon landing. He cited a May incident where 20 suspected undocumented immigrants were seen disembarking onto a pier in Newport Harbor. The mayor emphasized the limitations placed on local law enforcement by SB 54, suggesting they would be unable to intervene even if they witnessed such an event.

The issue of border security was a central theme in the 2024 presidential election, with then-candidate Trump frequently criticizing the Biden administration's approach. Governor Gavin Newsom, a staunch defender of progressive policies, has pledged to oppose the incoming Trump administration's efforts to implement stricter immigration measures, including mass deportations.

Newsom's office countered O'Neill's criticism by arguing that anti-immigrant policies are ineffective deterrents and primarily harm the economy and immigrant families. They also blamed Republicans and Trump for blocking a bipartisan border security bill that they claim would have addressed the issue more effectively. However, Republicans argued this bill would have worsened the situation.

While acknowledging SB 54's exemptions allowing cooperation with ICE under certain circumstances, O'Neill expressed concern about the declining quality of life in Orange County, attributing it to rising crime and homelessness under Newsom's leadership. He criticized state Democrats for their perceived lack of tolerance for dissenting viewpoints, citing lawsuits against Huntington Beach as an example.

Republican Assemblyman Bill Essayli echoed O'Neill's sentiments, accusing state Democrats of hypocrisy for resisting Trump's policies while simultaneously suppressing local dissent. The recent move by Los Angeles to formally declare itself a sanctuary city further underscores the ongoing tension surrounding immigration policy in California.

This ongoing debate highlights the complex and often contentious intersection of local, state, and federal immigration policies in California.