NEWBURGH – Saying Newburgh is already a city that does not ask people about their immigration status, the city council discussed the subject of declaring itself a sanctuary city.
Council members will likely approve the resolution at their Monday night meeting.
Police Lt. Richard Carrion addressed a council chamber packed with adults and children, who like others around the country, are concerned given the latest actions coming out of Washington.
“We absolutely do not want to enforce federal immigration law,”
Carrion said to loud applause. “We recognize that this community
is diverse. We celebrate that. We do not want anyone in this community
to be fearful of your police. We are not going to inquire about your immigration
status. That is the position of Chief Cameron and our police department.
We want people to feel comfortable coming to us for help. We are not going
to ask about immigration status. We need the cooperation of our community.
We need your support and we are not going to be able to get that if you
don’t trust us.”
City officials made it clear that they would comply with any federal
order to provide information.
Councilwoman Karen Mejia, who drafted a sample sanctuary city resolution for the council to consider, had a message for critics.
“If you harbor such vile sentiments in your heart, I feel for you,” Mejia said. “I feel bad for you. I am sorry that you harbor all that hatred in your heart, but know that this city is a city of immigrants, this country is a country of immigrants and we will continue to be that country because that is the beacon of light of democracy that has kept this world from having a world war three.”
The City of Kingston adopted its own version of a sanctuary city weeks ago.
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