Quincy City Council Votes Down Sanctuary City Resolution

QUINCY, MA — Quincy will not become a sanctuary city following a vote by the city council.

The council voted down the resolution 6-3 Monday night, with Nina Liang, Joseph Finn and William Harris voting in support of the resolution.

Liang, who brought forth the proposal, told the Patriot Ledger after Monday's meeting that she will hold community meetings on the issue.

During the meeting, several residents held signs for and against the resolution. Some held signs that said, "Quincy is the city of immigrants," " while others said. "Protect our citizens! No illegal sanctuary!"

Ward 1 Councilor Margaret Laforest and Ward 4 councilor Brian Palmucci said the city council was not the place to start a conversation while Harris said he was going to vote against the measure, changed his mind after a community meeting and said the residents he represents want to learn more.

There is no precise definition of a sanctuary city, but it is usually considered to be a city that does not allow municipal officials to inquire about one's immigration status.

The Quincy Police Department says immigration status becomes an issue only when they arrest a person on felony changes and they run the person's fingerprints though a federal database to check for outstanding warrants.

Click here to read more.

Image: Public Domain