Trump’s Threat Fails to Rattle Local Leaders

President Trump’s threat to “dump” immigrants in sanctuary cities will likely never happen, according to leaders in three Coachella Valley immigrant-friendly communities.

It’s likely more of the president’s unbridled bluster and bombast.

Trump’s own aides have told him that such a policy on releasing migrants would likely be illegal and unfeasible — an assessment backed by former immigration officials and legal experts, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In the unlikely event Trump’s so-called threat becomes reality, the local leaders say are ready. They are unfazed.

“We welcome the immigrant community,” Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez told Uken Report. “Immigrants contribute and are part of our community. We have already been working alongside partners to ensure that recently arrived families, women and children get the services they need to make their successful transition into America.”

Cathedral City Mayor Mark Carnevale told Uken Report he does not believe Trump’s threat will come to fruition.

“But for conversation, how would Cathedral City handle it? Although I voted against the Sanctuary City ordinance here in Cathedral City, it our obligation to follow the President’s decision,” Carnevale said.

The City Council’s primary concern would be to keep residents safe, Carnevale said.

“Second, is to reach out to residents, churches, and surrounding communities to pull together and help the newly arrived families receive the needed help for their new life here in America,” Carnevale said.

In May 2017, Cathedral City became the first city in the Coachella Valley to adopt the sanctuary city designation, on a 3-2 vote. The measure defines a sanctuary city as “a place where all persons are treated equally, with respect and dignity, regardless of immigration status.”

Then-Mayor Stan Henry and Councilmember Carnevale opposed the designation.

The Coachella City Council unanimously passed a Sanctuary City resolution unanimously in August 2017.

In February 2019, Palm Springs became the latest city in Southern California to become a sanctuary city. Council members voted 4-1 to approve a resolution proclaiming the city a sanctuary city. Mayor Robert Moon cast the dissenting vote.

Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Geoff Kors, a graduate of Stanford Law School, said Trump’s threat on this issue have been met with legal challenges and he has no doubt that will continue to happen in the future.

“Every government in California has to follow the state’s “sanctuary” law,” Kors told Uken Report.  “The Palm Springs Police Department has had these policies in place for decades to promote public safety.  It is important what these are: not asking people about their immigration status so witnesses to, and victims of, crimes come forward and not using city resources to enforce federal immigration laws as that is the federal responsibility.  We want all of our residents to know they are safe when interacting with our police.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Los Angeles Times, labeled the president’s proposed policy nonsensical, saying Trump campaigned on deporting more immigrants. But his latest plan looks as if he intends to allow some migrants to remain in the U.S.