Opposition Surfaces on Riverside County’s Board of Supervisors’ stance to make county a “sanctuary county” [Opinion]
Using taxpayer dollars to fund legal services or create a county website on this matter is simply not the best use of our resources. Immigration policy is a federal responsibility—this issue is beyond the county’s jurisdiction. The saying “stay in your lane” couldn’t be more relevant here.
Riverside County is facing urgent, real-world challenges: crumbling roads, rising gang activity, a fentanyl crisis fueled by border issues, homeless veterans in need of support, a housing shortage, and overcrowded animal shelters leading to unnecessary euthanasia. This is why voters elected the Board of Supervisors—to address these pressing local concerns, not to divert taxpayer money toward political agendas.
Frankly, I’m disappointed that our County Supervisors have chosen to make this a political priority, further deepening partisan divides. One of the greatest strengths of local government is its nonpartisan nature—it brings people together to focus on community solutions rather than party politics. Decisions like these only serve to create division rather than unity.
To be clear, I don’t take issue with any elected official having an opinion on federal or local matters. My concern arises when taxpayer funds are used to push political narratives that fall outside their scope of authority. If this were simply about a supervisor voicing their stance on federal immigration policy, that would be their First Amendment right. But this is about accountability—about ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.
Instead of hiring 87,000 IRS agents to scrutinize everyday Americans, the federal government could have invested in hiring employees to process visas, conduct immigration background checks, and manage asylum applications more efficiently. That’s where real change happens.
As an 8-year Marine Corps veteran, who proudly served during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the 2003 ground invasion, I deeply understand why people want to come to America. But what I don’t support is the hypocrisy of reducing immigrants to a workforce for low-wage jobs—statements like “Who’s going to mow your lawn?” or “Who’s going to pick your crops?” fail to recognize the vast potential of those seeking a better life here. Why don’t we hear, “Who’s going to help cure cancer?” or “Who’s going to explore Mars?” or “Who’s going to serve in our military?”
If we’re going to discuss compassion, let’s ensure it isn’t rooted in exploitation. Let’s focus on real solutions that uphold the values of opportunity, fairness, and responsibility.
I hope the Riverside County Board of Supervisors do the right thing and rescind this action and let us all focus on local government issues, the way our voters intended. We should always remember, the voters of Riverside County lend us our elected seats, and at any time they can demand them back.