Politics & Government
Salem Moves Toward Sanctuary Status
The Sanctuary for Peace ordinance will move forward in Salem after last night's City Council meeting.
SALEM, MA – The Sanctuary for Peace ordinance, which keeps local law enforcement from acting as immigration officials and continues to provide city services to undocumented residents, will go forward.
Salem City Council's ad-hoc committee – made up of the entire City Council – recommended to approve the ordinance 7 to 4 on Wednesday night.
Salem City Council recommends approval of Sanctuary for Peace ordinance by a vote of 7-4.
— Kim Driscoll (@MayorDriscoll) March 30, 2017
The ordinance continues Salem's existing policies regarding undocumented immigrants, but makes them more permanent. It ensures that, for example, an undocumented resident can call Salem Police and report a crime, and not be asked about their immigration status.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Read more: Mass. Officials Rebuke AG's Double-Down on 'Sanctuary City' Funding Cuts
A city website describing the ordinance notes that "there is no one definition of 'sanctuary city.' It can be a lightning rod that elicits strong opinions, favorable and unfavorable, even though many misinterpret its meaning or are not fully aware of current policies."
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To read the full ordinance, frequently asked questions about the ordinance, and the existing Salem Police policy regarding the ordinance, click here.
Image via Taylor Rapalyea, Patch Staff
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