The York City Council narrowly approved an ordinance this week intended to provide protection to immigrants and refugees and build trust with the local government, but some worry it could come at a cost with the incoming presidential administration.
The ordinance, referred to as the “Trust Act,” prohibits city employees from asking individuals about their immigration status and voluntarily sharing information with the federal government for civil immigration enforcement, according to city council discussions and a news release from CASA, a national organization that advocates for immigrant and working-class families.
Police would not be permitted to assist with immigration enforcement except in certain circumstances, such as criminal violations, the ordinance states.
Council voted 3-2 to approve the ordinance, which was sponsored by council President Edquina Washington. Elizabeth Bupp and Teresa Johnescu voted against it, saying the city should proceed slowly and seek additional information.
York Mayor Michael Helfrich told council earlier this month that he believes in the “Trust Act.” He has sustained an executive order that former Mayor Kim Bracey started that the city will not discriminate against individuals based on their immigration status. But he asked council to hold off on a vote until it sees what the federal legislature is going to do in the new year.
A bill in Congress called the “No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act” could pass and become law in the new year. While York is not a sanctuary city by definition, Helfrich said, he worries that it might not matter. York could be at risk of losing at least $2 million in federal funds that the city uses to help people.
Washington responded that all of the residents in York have the right to be safe and protected.
“I want to be clear that no amount of money is worth the exchange for the safety and protection of all of our residents here in the City of York,” she said.
Kim Propeack, chief strategy officer for CASA, told city officials at the meeting this week that courts have upheld that the federal government cannot withhold funding from communities for not advancing civil immigration enforcement.
Other cities, including Lancaster, have passed similar acts.
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CASA praises the passage of the “Trust Act”
A crowd at the York City Council meeting on Tuesday night clapped after the ordinance passed. It would codify the city’s practices.
Helfrich said on Thursday night he has not made a decision whether to sign or veto it.
CASA thanked the council for passing the “Trust Act” in a news release.
“York City has taken a bold and compassionate step toward building a community where everyone can belong, participate, and thrive,” Mirna Gonzalez, CASA’s Pennsylvania Organizing Director, said in the release. “… When this bill becomes law, families can feel safe calling for help, reporting crimes, heading to the hospital, or taking their children to school – without fear of deportation or separation. It strengthens public health, safety, and community involvement by prioritizing trust over intimidation and fear.”
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York City Council approves ordinance to protect immigrants