Salem Petition Puts Sanctuary Ordinance Back To City Council

SALEM, MA – After Salem's sanctuary city ordinance looked like it would go forward, a citizen petition is putting the question back to City Council. If City Council doesn't rescind the ordinance, it will be on the ballot in November.

Mayor Kim Driscoll confirmed on Monday that enough signatures had been certified to put the ordinance question back to City Council. The Sanctuary for Peace ordinance codifies the city's existing policy regarding immigrants, which is that city employees don't ask for proof of citizenship.

"I am disheartened that some residents are uncomfortable with the ideas behind this ordinance, but I'm certain there is a way forward that can keep this conversation positive between the parties," wrote Driscoll in a statement on Facebook. "And I'm hopeful that, here in Salem, we can avoid the division that is too frequently characterizing these discussions in other communities around the country."

Driscoll noted that she would reach out to the petition organizers to find middle ground.

Click here to learn more about the ordinance.

Image via Taylor Rapalyea, Patch Staff