Resident asks Sultan council to consider being ‘sanctuary’ city

A Sultan resident came forward last week to ask the Sultan City Council to consider passing resolutions that would place Sultan among municipalities across the country established as “sanctuary” cities or safe zones.

Jean Roberts presented four sample resolutions during the time set aside for public comment on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Sultan City Hall. Concerned about the results of the Nov. 8 presidential election, Roberts asked councilmembers to consider passing four separate resolutions that would discourage detentions and deportations of immigrants, prevent the registration and surveillance of Muslims, disallow the criminalization of organizations like Black Lives Matter and encourage a philosophy of inclusivity for all people.

“Our president-elect’s rhetoric has concerned many of us, but has frightened those who consider themselves members of a minority group,” Roberts said. “We don’t know what change is going to be coming with the new presidency, but we may be faced with new challenges. It is best to be prepared.”

The language for each of the resolutions was written by investigative reporter Arun Gupta, and published in a story written for Yes! Magazine called “How Cities Can Protect People Threatened By Trumpism.”

Roberts outlined the basics of each resolution.

The first vows that the city of Sultan “will not assist or cooperate with any raids or detentions or deportations of any immigrants. This includes assistance of local law enforcement or providing data to the federal government.”

“Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has pledged that it will remain a sanctuary city, even if the president-elect cuts off federal funds as he has vowed to do,” Roberts said.

According to the Seattle Times, the Washington Post and other media sources, Trump has said he will block federal funding to cities that protect undocumented immigrants. Despite this, cities across the country, including Seattle, New York City, Chicago and San Francisco, are reaffirming their “sanctuary” city status, with elected officials promising the inclusivity of all people.

Trump’s website outlines his plan to end “sanctuary” cities and “move criminal aliens out day one, in joint operations with local, state and federal law enforcement.”

According to a statement released by Murray’s office, the Seattle mayor recently signed an executive order reaffirming Seattle as a “welcoming city.” The order states members of city staff will not inquire as to the immigration status of Seattle residents, vows that city services will be available to all residents and seeks to protect the “civil liberties and civil rights of Seattle residents.”  

Roberts’ second proposed resolution states the city will not “cooperate or assist with registration and surveillance programs of Muslims, or any attempts to make our friends, neighbors and loved ones the enemy.” The third, she said, proclaims the city a safe zone for all “immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ people, women and anyone fearing governmental persecution.” 

“Number four: the city of Sultan rejects any effort to criminalize Black Lives Matter or others organizing for social justice,” Roberts said. “We know Sultan is a city that cares about individuals. Let’s demonstrate that to other cities by passing these resolutions.”

Four additional Sultan residents came forward to declare their support of Roberts’ proposed resolutions. Former Sultan Planning Board member Lucy Hitchcock gave her support, informing the council that a similar measure will be presented in Everett soon, according to local media.

“I would love to see this go across the county and show that we really care about inclusiveness and fairness and protection of all people,” Hitchcock said.

Councilmember Joe Neigel thanked Roberts for her testimony, saying the proposed resolutions were a good starting point. He said he needed to approach the idea of inclusivity and support for the entire community within the context of his oath of office, which is to support the laws of the state of Washington and the United States.

Councilmember Jeffrey Beeler said there needs to be a clearer distinction on which immigrants the resolutions are meant to protect. He said the resolutions seemed to be referring to illegal immigrants, a point that should be clarified.

“When it comes to illegal immigrants, they don’t belong here,” Beeler said. “I know that’s a harsh way of putting it, but that’s my personal belief.”

He said he doesn’t feel creating more laws is the way to address the issue. The United States has created its own issues in relation to immigration, stemming from 30 years of poor management, Beeler said. Because the U.S. has not effectively dealt with immigration, there are undocumented individuals living in this country who have lived here since they were children, Beeler said.

“My suggestion is not to say they need to be booted out, because they don’t have any place to go,” Beeler said. “What we have been doing as a community in the United States is wrong, and we need to correct it in a caring, kind and compassionate manner.”

He said that he didn’t agree with “sanctuary” cities. 

“They’re breaking the law, and in my opinion they’re doing the wrong thing,” Beeler said. “I don’t think I want the city of Sultan to be that type of city.”

Persecution of any member of the LGBTQ community is wrong, Beeler said, as is being targeted based on an individual’s religious sect, whether Muslim, Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon or protestant. He would agree with that type of resolution, he said, but as for the rest, new laws are not the answer.

“I think we need to come from this at a different perspective,” Beeler said.