Phoenix City Leaders Send Immigration Message To President Trump
Phoenix city leaders are sending a message to the Trump administration: the nation’s sixth-largest city will not get into the business of immigration enforcement.
In response to President Donald Trump’s executive orders relating to immigration and refugees, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton created an ad hoc committee. On Wednesday, the City Council debated the committee’s recommendations, which include a formal policy stating the city will not participate in federal immigration enforcement programs.
Councilman Jim Waring described it as a political move with little practical impact.
“If you guys really want to make us a sanctuary city, vote to do that. I won’t do it," said Waring.
Supporters like Councilwoman Kate Gallego said it sends a message that Phoenix is a welcoming city.
Councilwoman Thelda Williams said, ”I don’t think it’s our officers’ jobs to do ICE’s job — and they should hire sufficient numbers of people to accomplish it.”
The committee also recommended the Phoenix Police Department change its policy to mirror Mesa's and Tucson's, which require an officer to contact a supervisor before asking about immigration status or calling Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Other recommendations included working with local school districts to improve trust between school resource officers and students, create a workforce development program for the refugee community and create a web page to list community resources available to residents impacted by presidential executive orders.
The council approved all the recommendations after Police Chief Jeri Williams made it clear that her officers will continue to follow all laws.
