SB 54 debate stirs Palm Desert City Council Meeting

Palm Desert City Council Meeting struck a different tone tonight as public comment centered around legislation that wasn’t even in the meeting’s agenda. City Council member Jan Harnik also drew harsh criticism for recent campaign material that some said are akin to scare tactics.

Almost every public comment during the nearly three hour meeting was about California Senate Bill 54. In October 2017, California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 54 into law; also known as the “sanctuary state” bill. The senate bill makes it more difficult for law enforcement to question or hold suspected undocumented immigrants.

News Channel 3’s Alex Cheney attended the meeting and spoke to several members of the audience.

“You had full knowledge that we were gonna be here today, both sides, you didn’t put it on your agenda,” said Nathan Miller, founder of NO Sanctuary California. Nathan says his support is for local enforcement.

“Anybody here who supports SB 54 please stand up! California values that, thank you,” said Maribelle Nunes who supports the immigrant population of the Coachella Valley.

Palm Desert City Counil Member Jan Harnik is under heavy scrutiny for recent campaign materials as she runs for the Riverside County Supervisor seat currently held by Manuel Perez. Television ads and mailers describe Perez as weak on crime. The ads suggest that his vote on certains laws has made it easier for undocumented immigrants to commit crimes.

“Jan Harnik needs to really reevaluate where she’s putting her priorities in her campaign,” said Arturo Hererra, a Palm Desert resident. “I’m a Mexican person living in Palm Desert, how do you think I felt when I received her mail?”

Nathan Miller thinks Palm Desert should opt out of SB 54 and says his potential vote for Harnik is dependent on her decision on whether or not to opt out of the sanctuary state status.

“I support Jan Harnik as long as she does the right thing here,” said Miller. “I think she has an obligation to take a position against it and put those obligations at the forefront of every decision she makes.”

Both Jan Harnik and Palm Desert Mayor Sabby Johnathan declined to be interviewed for this story.