La Quinta Councilmember, Steve Sanchez, opposes county sanctuary measure
After the Riverside County Board of Supervisors passed a undocumented migrant protection measure earlier this week, one desert city official is speaking out.
The measure, passed on Tuesday, outlined new guidelines for protecting undocumented immigrants information and possible legal funding for those facing deportations.
City of La Quinta councilmember, Steve Sanchez, posted to Facebook his opposition to the measure, arguing resources are better utilized on other local issues.
Councilmember Sanchez's post read, "The county should prioritize urgent local issues—ensuring clean drinking water in unincorporated areas, maintaining roads and infrastructure, and using taxpayer money responsibly. If nonprofits or individuals want to assist with immigration-related legal matters, they are free to do so. However, until the county addresses its own pressing challenges, taxpayer funds should remain dedicated to infrastructure and services that directly benefit local residents.
Speaking with News Channel 3, Sanchez said any surplus of taxpayer money should go back to local issues.
"If the county is flushed with extra income, they should return it back to the cities. The extra money or put it towards needs that the residents expect. And that's infrastructure, roads, bridges, highways and public safety."
Riverside County has an undocumented immigration population of more than 132,000 people.
Some Coachella Valley residents expressed concern over federal immigration policy, as their own families or friends are immigrants.
"I have neighbors who are immigrants. Some of my family members are also immigrants so it's scary to see," one valley resident said.
When asked how those communities interests should be represented, Sanchez said:
"This is a federal issue. Bringing this down to the county level isn't within our scope of authority, and it's not the best use of taxpayer money at the county level."
Sanchez said he has no plans to resist the county's action, but feels confident his constituents support his stance on the measure.
Immigration legal funding for the county's measure will be evaluated February 25th.
For more information on that measure, visit: Riverside County supervisors approve new policy to protect undocumented immigrants