Salinas residents react to President Trump’s migrant proposal
President Donald Trump is doubling down on his push to transport detained migrants into sanctuary cities.
“Let’s see if they’re so happy. They say we have open arms, they’re always saying they have open arms. Let’s see if they have open arms,” said Trump.
KION spoke with Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo who tells us the president is taking the wrong position on immigration.
“No one, I think, should be using people, including migrant children, for political maneuvering or retaliation,” said Alejo.
Alejo says most of the people coming to the border are refugees and asylum seekers leaving tough conditions in their home countries. Monterey County is a “welcoming county,” with similar protections for immigrants who have entered the country illegally.
But within the county, there are mixed reactions to Trump’s proposal.
“I don’t understand why these cities would be complaining,” said Martin O’Connor, a Salinas resident. “Why would it be a problem for them if they’re all sanctuary cities to begin with?”
“If we allow (President Trump) to have that narrative, then we’re losing in response,” said Nathan James, another Salinas resident. “We should welcome whoever it is he plans to drop off because the narrative should be these are people just like any people.”
O’Connor believes leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are not doing enough to fix the problem.
“Just drop them off on her doorstop,” he said. “I mean she does not want to solve the problem. That’s obvious because they have a vested interest in the problem not being solved.”
Others do not approve of how President Trump is handling the issue.
“We should respond in a mature manner rather than a narcissistic, toddler manner like himself. He doesn’t actually believe in anything he says,” said James.
Alejo says the California Sanctuary State policy allows for police to work with immigration authorities if a person has committed serious crimes.
He also argues the U.S. should not cut off foreign aid to other countries because it could exacerbate the immigration issue.
