Salem Defers Sanctuary City Proposal Until 2017

SALEM, MA — The fate of a proposed ordinance that would designate Salem as a Sanctuary City has been delayed, as city officials have moved to defer action on the proposed ordinance until the beginning of next year.

In a joint statement released Sunday evening, officials indicated that they have decided to defer action on the proposed Salem 'Sanctuary for Peace' ordinance until early 2017. Officials indicated that a draft of an ordinance by Jan. 26, 2017. Ward 4 Councillor David Eppley, who proposed the ordinance, has stated the intent of the ordinance is to ensure that city employees do not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities.

"As a policy, the city generally works cooperatively with federal and state officials, and we will continue to do so, but we do not enforce federal immigration laws and do not expect to in the future," wrote Mayor Kimberly Driscoll in a statement on Facebook. "Many communities follow similar protocols across the country, whether they call themselves a 'sanctuary city' or not, as local police departments have long recognized that mutual trust is an important part of community policing and key to maintaining safe and strong neighborhoods."

Eppley added on his Facebook account that he has deferred action on the Salem Sanctuary for Peace draft ordinance after a "very positive meeting" with Driscoll, Salem police chief Mary Butler, Latino and faith community leaders and Salem's No Place for Hate committee.

The term 'sanctuary city' has become a hot button issue in the recent presidential election, with President-elect Donald Trump threatening to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities.

"As a community, it is my hope that we will continue to reiterate and reaffirm our beliefs in respect for equal rights and opportunities for all who call Salem home - none of which has changed since the election," wrote Driscoll in her statement.

City officials will now meet during the coming weeks to come up with a final ordinance by Jan. 26. The Salem News reports that a Dec. 8 hearing on the ordinance has been cancelled.

"Salem strives to be a welcoming and inclusive city that is committed to protecting ans serving all who call it home," read the joint statement."Our strength is rooted in our rich diversity and proud immigrant history. We are confident that by working together we can re-affirm these values and work collaboratively to achieve the highest standards of equity and dignity for all of our residents."

Photo By John Phelan - Own work, CC BY 3.0,https://commons.wikimedia.org/...