San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee reaffirmed the commitment of his city to remain a sanctuary city despite threats from President Donald Trump.
Wednesday, the president signed an executive order to deny federal grant funds to “sanctuary cities.” These cities have policies in place to restrict local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration agents, with the exception of extreme cases.
“Our city is still a sanctuary city and we are going to remain a sanctuary city,” said Lee. The sanctuary city policy intends to increase cooperation between local law enforcement and immigrant communities by establishing a sense of trust, reports ABC7 News. The policy also permits undocumented immigrants to access services, such as health care and education, that they would not necessarily receive in cities not protected by the sanctuary city policy.
Today, we’re confirming our sanctuary city status. #SF https://t.co/Hiw9V92Q9d
— Mayor Ed Lee (@mayoredlee) January 25, 2017
“I think everybody, regardless of their status, should have not only the right, but not live in fear for being able to report to the police department things that are happening to them that require some action or getting their healthcare that they deserve or getting the benefits that we offer as a city,” Lee said at the press conference.
San Francisco receives around $1 billion total in federal funding; Lee says the city is yet to determine which funds will be cut due to the executive order. San Francisco’s Department of Homeland Security receives around $10 million in federal funding.
In our City, we embrace & celebrate our differences & we are committed to protecting our immigrant communities. #SFSOTC17
— Mayor Ed Lee (@mayoredlee) January 26, 2017
Trump’s new orders also include the building of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Many other politicians have also spoken out against Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, including Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, and Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii.
Related: Asian American Leaders Lash Out at President Trump over Sanctuary Cities and Wall
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