Huntington Beach challenges DHS sanctuary city designation error

In May 2025, the Department of Homeland Security published a controversial list identifying cities, counties, and states designated as sanctuary jurisdictions, which are said to obstruct federal immigration law. Huntington Beach, California, was erroneously listed as a sanctuary city despite declaring itself a non-sanctuary city in January 2025. Mayor Pat Burns expressed strong disapproval of this misclassification, labeling it as 'pure negligence' by the government. He emphasized the city's commitment to fully enforce every law enforcement agency's capability within its jurisdiction. The publication of this list followed an executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at reforming immigration policy, and it sparked considerable backlash from various local leaders. Many challenged their inclusion on this list, demonstrating the ongoing tension between local governance and federal immigration enforcement policies. The DHS has indicated that the list may be revised as needed based on reassessments of compliance with federal law. With Huntington Beach's mayor reaching out to federal officials to rectify this error, the situation illustrates the complexities surrounding the designation of sanctuary jurisdictions. The city has positioned itself in opposition to perceived federal overreach, insisting that it aligns its policies with federal immigration law.