Your Community Is Under Attack Yet Again!
On January 21st, 2025, the city of Huntington Beach declared itself a “non-sanctuary city.”
Here is what you need to know about this new resolution enacted by Huntington Beach city Meyer, Pat Burns. The full resolution can be found here.
Mayer Pat Burns has said that his decision to do this was a matter of common-sense policy that will make his community and home of 31 years safer. However, He does not specify what threats the city could face to its safety if it did not adopt this resolution.
The city has NOT previously been a sanctuary city, so this move seems unprovoked and charged. At a time when you and or someone close to you may already be under a lot of stress from the actions and rhetoric of the current administration, this is sure to cause more fear in our own backyard. What does this mean? Pat Burn ensured that the city would comply with ICE and other federal agencies to address safety concerns, pushing on the rhetoric from the Trump administration that immigrants pose a threat to our safety.
These kinds of resolutions are no different than the previous efforts we have seen in your county to infringe on your LGBTQ rights. We must stand in solidarity with all marginalized communities in our county.
This is a direct threat to your neighbors, friends, family, and allies. If you call Huntington Beach your home, please stay tuned and informed, and know you are not alone in these trying times. The Orange County LGBTQ Center is here to support you and all members of our community in these times of uncertainty and stress, which are impacting our most vulnerable and underserved communities.
There is a lot you can do to stay informed and make a difference in your neighborhoods. The Orange County LGBTQ Center will be holding informational meetings and know-your-rights workshops. If you are directly impacted and do not feel safe coming to our center, please reach out to us on any of our platforms and email us at info@lgbtcenteroc.org. If you’re not directly affected but want to help and educate your community, we encourage you to sign up for volunteer work and also become a reliable source of information for your neighbors, friends, and family.
ChatGPT Version:
Prompt: I have written a blog post that could go on the Orange County LGBTQ Center’s website. The blog is about recent news that affects the community the organization serves. Please improve the following blog post, which is meant to be in the second-person voice: (Original blog followed).
Results:
Your Community Is Under Attack—Again
On January 21, 2025, the Huntington Beach City Council passed a resolution declaring the city a “non-sanctuary city.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Mayor Pat Burns claims this move is a “common-sense” policy meant to keep the community safe. But safe from what? He has yet to specify what threats necessitate this action. In fact, Huntington Beach was never a sanctuary city to begin with, making this resolution feel more like a political statement than a necessary policy change.
This decision plays into dangerous rhetoric—one that falsely equates immigrant communities with crime and insecurity. By pledging full cooperation with ICE and other federal agencies, the city is embracing the harmful messaging pushed by the Trump administration—messaging that has already fueled fear and division in our communities.
Why does this matter to you?
Because this is part of a broader pattern. Time and again, we’ve seen local leaders attack the rights and dignity of marginalized groups—whether it’s the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, or other vulnerable populations. This is not just about one resolution—it’s about the ongoing effort to make certain groups feel unwelcome and unsafe in their own homes.
If you live in Huntington Beach or anywhere in Orange County, know this: You are not alone. The Orange County LGBTQ Center stands with you. We stand with immigrants, with allies, with everyone affected by policies that threaten our collective safety and well-being.
How You Can Take Action
- Stay informed – Knowledge is power. Understanding your rights and the impact of these policies is crucial.
- Join us – The Orange County LGBTQ Center will be hosting informational meetings and Know Your Rights workshops to provide you with the tools and resources you need.
- Reach out – If you feel unsafe or have questions, contact us on any of our platforms or email us at info@lgbtcenteroc.org. We are here for you.
- Volunteer – Not directly affected but want to help? Get involved! Help educate your community and support those in need.
These are challenging times, but we will not be silenced, and we will not stand by while our communities are targeted. Together, we can resist, support one another, and fight for a county that stands for inclusion—not division.