City expected to adopt ‘sanctuary city’ resolution

NEWBURGH, N.Y. >> Saying Newburgh already is a city that does not ask people about their immigration status, the City Council is poised to approve a resolution declaring Newburgh a “sanctuary city.”

The council probably will vote in favor of the resolution on Monday. The city of Kingston adopted its own version of a sanctuary city resolution earlier this year.

Newburgh Police Lt. Richard Carrion this week addressed a council chamber packed with adults and children, who, like others around the country, said they are concerned about policy changes by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would bar federal grants to sanctuary cities.

“We absolutely do not want to enforce federal immigration law,” Carrion said to loud applause. “We recognize that this community is diverse. We celebrate that. We do not want anyone in this community to be fearful of your police. We are not going to inquire about your immigration status. That is the position of Chief [Daniel] Cameron and our police department.

“We want people to feel comfortable coming to us for help. We are not going to ask about immigration status. We need the cooperation of our community. We need your support, and we are not going to be able to get that if you don’t trust us,” Carrion said.

Councilwoman Karen Mejia, who drafted a sample sanctuary city resolution for the council to consider, had a message for critics.

“If you harbor such vile sentiments in your heart, I feel for you,” she said. “I feel bad for you. I am sorry that you harbor all that hatred in your heart, but know that this city is a city of immigrants, this country is a country of immigrants, and we will continue to be that country because that is the beacon of light of democracy that has kept this world from having a world war three.”