Huntington Park, California has made history as the first city in America to choose illegal immigrants over American citizens for a position on a city commission.
Councilman Jhonny Pineda announced at a city council meeting on Monday night that he’s appointing two illegal immigrants as commissioners, CBS2 reported.
Not everyone was excited by the news.
“You are out of order!” one woman seated during the council meeting yelled at Pineda.
The councilman is appointing Julian Zatarain to the parks and recreation commission and Frank Medina to the health and education commission.
While the councilman said both men have a long history of volunteering for the city, he might also have meant volunteering on his political campaign that won him his seat on the council in March. Both men worked on the campaign in various capacities.
“We’re sending the wrong message: you can be illegal, and you can come and work for the city,” a woman said to Finnstrom.
Federal law prohibits either men being paid for the positions and, according to Pineda, they will have no power to determine city policy.
During his campaign for the council, Pineda said he would work to create opportunities for the city’s sizable illegal immigrant population because it’s important to make them feel comfortable.
“We need to make sure that we bring everyone together to the table here in Huntington Park so that we can make sure we’re sharing the same vision,” said Pineda.
City Mayor Karina Macias has announced her support for the appointments.
Watch the CBS2 clip below:
