Council discusses reviving sanctuary policy advisory group as residents urge stronger immigration protections

Council member Lopez brought an item asking the City to reconvene a sanctuary-policy advisory group tied to Santa Ana’s 2017 sanctuary ordinance (ordinance NS-2908). Dozens of residents and representatives of community organizations urged the council to act, saying immigrants in Santa Ana feel increased fear and need stronger local protections and services. The council heard many public comments from immigrant-advocacy organizations, students and neighborhood groups; speakers asked the council to reaffirm the city’s sanctuary commitments, revive the advisory group and improve outreach and legal defense services for immigrant residents.

Context and key requests: Lopez framed the item as a response to a continuing pattern of fear and confusion in the immigrant community and said the 2017 ordinance that declared Santa Ana a sanctuary for residents regardless of immigration status anticipated an advisory group to inform policy.…