Perhaps Californians aren’t as crazy about providing sanctuary to illegal immigrants as the legacy media would have us believe. Ever since the state Senate passed SB54, a law that severely hampers the efforts of the federal government against illegal immigration, the state’s largest cities have pushed back against the “sanctuary city law.”

Earlier this year, Los Alamitos became the first California city to opt out of the sanctuary law. Other cities, mostly in Orange County, have also opposed the legislation. In April, 121 cities filed a complaint against the state’s government, arguing that the sanctuary law violates the state constitution. Recently, a judge ruled in favor of the cities who refuse to comply with the legislation.

California Judge Rules

An Orange County Superior Court judge recently ruled in favor of Huntington Beach, one of the cities who filed a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 54. The city argued that the legislation interfered with the city’s right to local control.

SB 54 prohibits local law enforcement agencies from asking about the immigration status of individuals during routine encounters. It also prevents them from assisting federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their efforts to remove dangerous illegal immigrants.

The judge’s ruling is a clear victory for Californians who wish to see a more concerted effort to address the illegal immigration problem that plagues the Golden State. Before the law was passed, federal immigration agents were provided with space in local prisons to help them identify criminals who are in the country illegally.

Michael Gates, Huntington Beach’s city attorney told CNBC, “Having SB 54 declared unconstitutional at any level is a massive victory and a massive defeat for the state.” While the judge’s ruling does not impact cities in other counties, it is possible that others might soon follow Orange County’s lead.

Opponents of the sanctuary law argue that it puts public safety in jeopardy because it makes it more difficult for agencies like ICE to identify and deport dangerous illegal immigrants who are typically released into the public.

Not All Californians

While California is a solidly blue state, there remain pockets of red in certain areas. Americans living in Orange County and the Inland Empire are not keen on many of the state’s leftist policies. The government of  San Bernardino County, the 12th most populous county in the U.S. has not yet addressed the issue, but some of its cities are already joining the fight. Both Upland and Yucaipa are cities who have decided to join the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against the law. Additionally, San Diego signed on to the DOJ’s lawsuit earlier this year.

SB 54 remains a controversial issue among Californians. It is not clear who will win the battle, but the Orange County judge’s ruling signals that the sanctuary law may not have the success its creators intended. It also reveals another encouraging reality: Conservatives in California still have a voice.