The city of Chicago is expected to announce on Monday that it will remain a sanctuary city despite threats from President-elect Donald Trump that he will cut off federal funding for cities that harbor illegal immigrants. New York City and Los Angeles have also come forward and said they will defy the president-elect.
Sanctuary city law enforcement officers do not alert federal immigration authorities of the immigration status of individuals they encounter.
On Monday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel will hold a press conference to announce Chicago’s plan to remain a sanctuary city.
“Across the country and in Chicago and Illinois … young men and women [are] very distraught about this,” Chicago Alderman Danny Solis told POLITICO Illinois on Sunday.
Solis is among those planning to attend the news conference with Emanuel. “There’s some people, though I disagree with them, but I have some respect for — Paul Ryan, Reince Priebus,” Solis said, referring to the House speaker and the RNC chairman who will serve as Trump’s chief of staff. “I’m hoping that those guys have much more influence on Trump and what needs to be done not only on his first 100 days, but in his term.”
Chicago officials say they have heard from terrified people including Dreamers, people with parents who are here illegally, who fear deportation.
“I want to assure all of our families that Chicago is and will remain a sanctuary city,” Emanuel said in a statement. “Chicago has been a city of immigrants since it was founded. We have always welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, and while the administration will change, our values and our commitment to inclusion will not.”
More than 100 jurisdictions have regulations that limit law enforcement’s compliance with federal immigration laws.
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