Huntington Beach, California, has filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming that the sanctuary state law violates the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and causes the city to break state code. The city argues that the law forces them to choose between complying with state law and violating federal immigration statutes, creating a conflict that must be resolved by the court.

The lawsuit contends that the sanctuary law directs Huntington Beach officials, including police, to violate federal immigration laws, posing a threat to the city’s “health, safety, and welfare.” The city claims that the state has exceeded its authority and is unconstitutionally interfering with federal immigration laws and the city’s Charter Home Rule authority.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has stated that they are committed to protecting the rights of immigrant communities and upholding laws like SB 54, which made the state a sanctuary one. The office plans to vigorously defend SB 54 in court and is reviewing the complaint filed by Huntington Beach.