A look at what mayors around the U.S are saying in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order Wednesday saying he would halt funding to cities — known as sanctuary cities — that will not cooperate with federal immigration officials.
“We’re not a sanctuary city. We will value residents in this city. We won’t take any unlawful or unconstitutional acts against residents of the city of Denver. It is our goal to make sure people in the city feel safe and know that this is a city thatap open, welcoming and inclusive.”
Mayor Michael Hancock
“We are not going to violate immigrants’ constitutional rights just because the new president wants us to. And we stand behind our ordinance.”
Mayor Suzanne Jones
“We’re going to defend all of our people regardless of where they come from, regardless of their immigration status.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio
“I want to be clear: We’re going to stay a sanctuary city. There is no stranger among us. Whether you’re from Poland or Pakistan, whether you’re from Ireland or India or Israel and whether you’re from Mexico or Moldova, where my grandfather came from, you are welcome in Chicago as you pursue the American dream.”
Mayor Rahm Emanuel
“We will not give in to threats, or political grandstanding. Together, the Bay Area will stay true to our values of inclusiveness, compassion and equality, and united against any and all efforts to divide our residents, our cities, and our country.”
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, in a statement in coordination with San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.
“To anyone who feels threatened today, or vulnerable, you are safe in Boston. We will do everything lawful in our powerful to protect you. If necessary, we will use City Hall itself to shelter and protect anyone who’s targeted unjustly.”
Mayor Martin J. Walsh
“This city will not be bullied by this administration. We believe we have the rule of law and the courts on our side.”
Mayor Ed Murray
“What we don’t do is ask local police officers to enforce federal immigration laws — and thatap an official LAPD policy that has been enforced for nearly 40 years. That is for everyone’s good, because trust between police and the people they serve is absolutely essential to effective law enforcement.”
Mayor Eric Garcetti
“Our city and our values did not change on Election Day. Being a sanctuary city means we are not an agent of the federal government . . . . It means that our police can focus on serving D.C. residents — protecting and serving them — no matter their immigration status.”
Mayor Muriel E. Bowser
“We don’t walk around asking people where they’re from. That’s just not our policy. We don’t do that. What we want is to help people become productive members of our community. We’re a welcoming city. We want everybody here. We want to provide opportunities and jobs and careers for folks.”
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh