LAGUNA NIGUEL — After dozens of speakers on both sides voiced their opinion, the City Council unanimously voted to support the County of Orange and a growing number of cities to condemn SB-54, also known as the California Values Act, in an amicus brief challenging the constitutionality of the new state law.

“In Laguna Niguel our top priority is public safety,” Laguna Niguel Mayor Elaine Gennawey said Tuesday, April 17. “We support our police officers and the rule of law. We welcome immigrants of every race and creed. We are a compassionate community, but we will not take away our local police officers’ ability to work collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies to further protect the public safety of our residents.”

SB-54, which was passed by the California State Legislature and went into effect Jan. 1, limits cooperation between federal immigration agents and local law enforcement and provides protection to unauthorized immigrants in public schools, libraries and medical centers. Those who oppose the state’s new law say it could result in the release of accused criminals back into the community rather than turning them over to federal immigration authorities for consideration of deportation.

Additionally, the city is required to comply with federal law to receive federal grants, council members discussed. If the city ignores the federal government’s authority to enforce immigration law, community services for the disabled, elderly and at-risk homeless residents, as well as street improvement projects, could lose the federal funding that keeps those important programs viable.

About two dozen speakers testified in opposition of the staff-recommended action for the city to follow federal immigration law. But opinions on the other side of the spectrum were also strong. Public comments were presented in a respectful manner, with each person given opportunity to speak.

“Laguna Niguel has a reputation for respecting all points of view and allowing for a free and open dialogue on all sides,” Gennawey said. “We may not always agree, but we will always listen carefully and speak respectfully.”

With the City Council’s unanimous support of federal immigration law and condemnation of SB-54, Laguna Niguel joins the county and 10 other cities standing up for local law enforcement.