Northfield City Council, Mayor Pass Resolution Supporting Immigrants

Last week, the Northfield City Council passed a resolution condemning discrimination and pledging not to use city resources for the "purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws." While the resolution doesn't mention President-elect Donald Trump by name, the bill is similar to a statement recently made by Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges in which she said she would "continue to stand up for immigrants" in face of the incoming Trump Administration.

Northfield's outgoing Mayor Dana Graham and Mayor-elect Rhonda Pownell issued a joint-statement supporting the resolution, writing the final graph in Spanish in an effort to reach out to Northfield's Latino community.

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"As the results of the election came in some people rejoiced and others felt disappointment. Northfielders filled St. Dominic Church Sunday in support of our neighbors whose future now
may feel uncertain," the mayors wrote.

"In that meeting, we both heard and reinforced two messages: Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated here, and all people—regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexuality, religion, or culture—are important to our community."

"We will be working with all parts of city government to improve areas where our community can be more equitable. With this resolution, we also affirm that the city of Northfield—including the Police Department—does not and will not use city resources for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws."

"The diversity of our community enriches all of our lives. Taking the time to get to know people that are different from us, to walk a mile in their shoes, or to feel their pain and anxiety will only serve to make us better. As current and incoming Mayors, we urge our community to be compassionate to all, and pledge our own work to ensure safety, well-being, and equal opportunity for Northfielders."

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