Demonstrators rally for a border wall and against sanctuary laws in Huntington Beach
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As dozens of people waved “Build the Wall” signs at a busy Huntington Beach intersection on Saturday, some passersby honked in approval or gave a thumbs up. Others rolled down their windows to argue for a few seconds until the light changed.
But most drivers just kept their eyes on the road, revealing no opinion at all.
More than 100 demonstrators congregated to blast California’s controversial sanctuary law. Senate Bill-54, also known as the California Values Act, limits interaction between law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
SB-54 was hailed by immigrant-rights advocates, who say it leads to better relations between immigrants and local police and creates safe spaces at public facilities. But many claim it protects non-citizens at the expense of citizens, inviting more illegal immigration to the state and also more crime.
“SB-54 ties the hands of law enforcement,” Dana Point resident Crystal Jade, one of the organizers, said prior to the rally. She cited San Joaquin Valley police officer Ronil Singh – who was shot last month during a traffic stop – as a victim of the law. “Officer Singh would be alive today but was killed by an illegal,” she said.
After about an hour at their designated hub, many of the protesters spread their message by marching down Beach Boulevard from Edinger Avenue.
Despite some passionate shouting, the demonstration – mostly made up of middle-aged men and women – remained peaceful. Only a couple of counter-protesters showed up.
“I don’t see any purpose behind SB-54 other than a blatant political move by Democrats to get the Hispanic vote,” said Long Beach resident James George, 62, a government contract worker.
The event happened to coincide with President Donald Trump’s announcement Friday, Jan. 25, that he would reopen the federal government after a three-week shutdown in a dispute with Democrats over funding of his promised border wall.
Many of them sporting red MAGA hats, demonstrators expressed continued support for Trump despite what some conservative pundits saw as a concession.
“Now he has given Democrats three weeks to come back and negotiate in good faith,” George said. “President Trump is brilliant. Democrats are not going to out-maneuver him.”
Pat Vonzidkow, 72, of Garden Grove, noted that air traffic controllers had been affected by the shutdown. “President Trump had to end it before there was a big plane crash or something,” she said.
Natalie Curtis, 50, said that Trump “took the path of compassion” by ending the shutdown. “He loves people, he loves America,” the Malibu resident said. “He proved that he was the compassionate one in the fight.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom was another sore subject for demonstrators. On Friday, Newsom announced a lawsuit against Huntington Beach, accusing the city of blocking affordable housing.
Tom Laluk, 65, an electrician in Huntington Beach, was among those angry about the lawsuit, he said.
“Recall Newsom!” Laluk yelled at passing cars. “He’s a criminal!”
One driver chided, “You’re acting like 2-year-olds. There are better ways to do this.”
Although he occasionally responded to critics with harsher gestures, Laluk simply shrugged this time and asked, “Like what?”