FRESNO (KMJ) — A Fresno City Councilmember wants his fellow representatives to collectively oppose California’s “sanctuary state” bill.
Senate Bill 54 is currently making it’s way through the State Capitol, and if passed would declare the entire state a sanctuary for those in the country illegally. The proposal would stop local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
“I’m opposing this bill,” reveals District 2 representative Steve Brandau. “I don’t know where my colleagues will be, but I’ve got a resolution coming up on Thursday at Fresno City Council saying ‘We’re opposing’. I’m going to be very interested to see what the rest of council thinks on this issue.”
The resolution would ask Fresno City Council to oppose Senate Bill 54, citing a loss of federal funding if it goes ahead. Brandau hopes that Fresno’s declaration would publicly show President Trump that the city doesn’t follow the same ideology as the state.
But not everyone behind the dais is backing it.
“I will not be in support of this particular position,” states District 3’s Oliver Baines. “I think this is a divisive resolution that Councilmember Brandau is bringing.
“I think that frankly the rhetoric that’s taking place in the country around this topic is divisive, and he’s attempting the fan the flame of division and I won’t have any part of it.”
The Mayor of Fresno says he doesn’t support the state bill, and if Councilmember Brandau’s position is to oppose SB54 then he’d be in the same position.
“I don’t even have an opportunity to weigh in one way or the other,” reveals Lee Brand. “Except that…I do not support SB54 and if his position is to oppose it I would probably be philosophically in the same position.”
The Fresno City Council vote is scheduled to take place Thursday March 23rd.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
