ICYMI: 'No Agency, Policy or President Will Change Our Philosophical Approach to Policing': Arlington Police Chief

ARLINGTON, MA — If a proposed 'Sanctuary Town' warrant article passes through town meeting in April, Arlington could be at risk of losing federal funding.

During Monday's meeting of the Arlington Board of Selectmen, the Selectman voted to co-sponsor a warrant article that would designate Arlington as a 'sanctuary town', and/or a "Trust Act" town. The formal designation formally declares that local law enforcement will not have a role in federal immigration activities, and refusing to turn illegal immigrants over for deportation.

Selectman Dan Dunn made a motion that the Board would co-sponsor the article before the Jan. 27 deadline, and that Town Counsel Doug Heim and the Human Rights Commission would sort out the language before town meeting.

There are over 300 sanctuary cities in the U.S., and it was reported Wednesday that President Donald Trump plans to roll out a series of executive orders on immigration, including one that would withhold federal funds to local governments that offer sanctuary to illegal immigrants.

READ MORE:

• Massachusetts Cities Targeted by Trump 'Sanctuary City' Crackdown
• Trump Signs Executive Orders To 'Build the Wall' And Crack Down On Sanctuary Cities

Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said during the meeting that discussions of the article began after the Nov. 8 election, after numerous residents contacted town officials to discuss whether or not the town should take on the designation. He also added that the town receives approximately $5 million in federal grants annually.

"I'm glad this item is on the agenda tonight because I think it's important to have these conversations publicly," Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan said at the meeting.

Ryan said that after receiving queries from residents, the police department conducted a "five-year look-back," and concluded that there had only been one arrest where the U.S. department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement was involved. Ryan said he wasn't clear on quite what a sanctuary city was, but added that based on his knowledge the Arlington Police Department wouldn't be changing the way it goes about its business.

"We are a sanctuary city without giving ourselves that sort of label," Ryan said. "It's not in our wheelhouse to enforce immigration laws."

Ryan added a person's immigration status becomes known only when someone commits a crime. In the one case mentioned above, a felony assault and battery using a dangerous weapon, the arrestee had previously been deported due to an unlawful border crossing. He added that federal immigration officials chose not to take action at the time, but wasn't sure if action was taken after the arrestee was out of the custody of the APD.

"No federal agency, policy or president will change our philosophical approach to policing in Arlington," said the police chief.

The proposal received support from the Vision 2020 Task Group at the meeting.

Arlington resident Heather Calvin came to the meeting to voice her support, noting it was important to make known the policies of Arlington's "progressive police department."

"The value of making that understood [is important] so that immigrants or undocumented [residents] or otherwise do not fear contacting our police department when they need help," Calvin said.

Selectman Joseph Curro, citing his experience as a refugee resettlement counselor, and said that people fleeing oppressive regimes often fear government.

"I think it's important for us to step up and make a statement by placing this on the warrant," Curro said at the meeting.

Echoing comments from Ryan, Selectman Kevin Greeley said that the town is already operating under sanctuary town policies. While supporting the proposal, he asked if the town would be giving a false impression that it would be able to offer more services than a non-sanctuary town was able to provide.

In response to Greeley's question, Arlington Human Rights Commissioner Mel Goldsipe later acknowledged the vague nature of the language as a placeholder on the warrant, but added as a citizen that she supported the Trust Act portion of the language.

You can watch the discussion below (beginning at 26:36)

Image via Arlington Community Media screenshot.