Melendez: White House meeting was important show of unity

California Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez is shown in conversation with President Trump during the May 16 roundtable. Photos courtesy of Nico Melendez

The highest ranking California public official to attend last week's roundtable at the White House in opposition to the California sanctuary state law represents a key area of Southwest Riverside County.

Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) was the only member of the California State Assembly invited to meet with President Donald Trump in what she described as both an opportunity to provide information to Trump and to make a show of support by the growing number of California cities expressing opposition to SB 54.

The bill, passed last year, restricts state law enforcement's ability to investigate or arrest individuals for federal immigration enforcement. Trump has been outspoken in his opposition to the bill and asked for the opportunity to hear from mayors, law enforcement officials and other California authorities on the subject. Melendez believes she was invited because of her strong stance against SB 54 and legislation she introduced that would allow California counties to opt out of the law -- a bill that was killed on the Assembly floor.

Nearly 40 California cities have officially declared opposition to SB 54. The City of Murrieta recently issued a statement re-emphasizing its earlier opposition to the legislation.

"I got some interesting comments from Democrats in the Assembly about it," Melendez said. "I expected that. I didn't create that meeting, but I think it was good that somebody was listening to us. It was good for the country to see that not everybody in California thinks being a sanctuary state is a good idea."

Melendez, who was seated next to Trump during the meeting, said the president received important updates on opposition to the Senate bill from the California public officials in attendance.

"Mostly he listened, but he did provide some feedback," Melendez said. "The pressure has to come from cities on this to make California walk it back. This may turn more people out to vote -- not that they're anti-immigrant, but they want the state to follow the [federal] law."

Although she was pleased with the united front presented at the roundtable, Melendez said she knows Democrats are unlikely to change their stance on the issue.

"In the state capital, not a chance. But a lot of the average registered voters don't feel the same. I have not received one email in support of SB 54. People are appalled," said Melendez, who said she has received numerous such emails from both major political parties.