The East Chicago City Council took one step closer in passing a “welcoming city” ordinance Monday that would afford the people living in the city without legal status additional protections.
More Top Picks Best Nas For Home
The council voted unanimously Monday to pass a “Welcoming City” ordinance on first and second reading.
The ordinance would prohibit law enforcement officials from requesting or investigating into the legal status of an individual unless required by a court order, forbid any government agent or agency from threatening any individual based on perceived citizenship or immigration status, and mandate the city of East Chicago designate someone to review and sign certifications required for visa applications. Use of city resources to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law would be prohibited as well.
After passing the ordinance on first and second reading, council members engaged in a lengthy discussion about how to proceed.
Several council members said they wanted to confer with the city’s police chief before passing the ordinace to ensure it is implemented correctly.
“I’m 100 percent in support of the ordinance,” Councilwoman Christine Vasquez, D-4th, said. “I would just like to sit with (the police chief), and just educate ourselves and let him educate us on how this is all going to be worked out with the police department so we can be better educators when we go out into the community.”
Councilman Richard Medina, D-at large, said he doesn’t think the council should rush into passing the ordinance.
“We do need the support from the police department because we need to educate them instead of trying to shove this down their throats,” he said. “We need to all be equally informed and know exactly what is expected.”
Jose Bustos, a manager at Immigrant Support and Assistance Center, said he is pleased that the council voted to pass the ordinance and first and second reading and that he understands their decision to wait for a third reading.
“I’m happy that the council recognized the need for something like this in our city because of all the anti-immigrant sentiment that seems to be sweeping across the country,” he said. “I understand waiting for the third reading so the chief of police can be informed and up-to-date on exactly what this is.”
But the council’s decision to meet with the police chief before hearing the ordinance again on third reading upset several East Chicago residents.
“For me this is a very sad day,” Wanda Gordils said. “It’s a sad day because of all the immigrants we have here in East Chicago. They attend our schools, work at our restaurants and ICE is tearing these families apart.”
Twitter @JavonteA