Boulder Could Become Sanctuary City For Undocumented Immigrants
By Tom Mustin
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Boulder residents are talking about the city's new push to become an official sanctuary city.
"I think families should be safe and not torn apart basically," said John Salisbury.
"I don't see how it's legal," said Melinda Jordan.
Tuesday the Boulder City Council instructed the city attorney to explore making the city an official shelter for undocumented immigrants.
"We started getting emails right after the election," council member Mary Young told CBS4's Tom Mustin.
Young says the idea came about after the election. She and her fellow members were immediately contacted by several undocumented residents concerned with their safety under a Donald Trump presidency.
"Many are afraid with what's coming," said Young.
Young says Boulder prides itself on its inclusion and diversity. The city's law enforcement agencies already are safe havens for immigrants-meaning they don't enforce deportation of residents. Young is not sure how an "official" sanctuary status would change things.
"I don't know. That's what we're finding out," she told Mustin.
Resident Melinda Jordan says the sanctuary policy is noble but would violate federal law.
"It seems hard to enforce something on a local level- it's like the Marijuana thing. We can say it's legal here but it's not legal everywhere," said Jordan.
And with Boulder once again sailing into uncharted waters, Young says no matter what the outcome, Boulder will continue to protect the rights of its residents.
"Cities can choose not to enforce laws. That's basically what we would do."
The city attorney will provide the city council with its initial report on becoming a sanctuary city on Dec. 6. Depending on what comes out of that report, council members hope to have the status implemented by January 2017.
The City of Boulder released the following statements regarding the issue: "Last night, Boulder City Council asked staff to conduct research into the impacts of declaring Boulder a sanctuary city. That research is just beginning, and no decision has been made. Boulder has always been an inclusive city, which welcomes people of all races, sexual orientations, ethnicities and religious beliefs. Regardless of what action council decides to take on any future sanctuary city designation, that will not change. The issue of declaring sanctuary, however, is one that has legal and financial implications. The city's research will take into account the potential loss of federal dollars, impacts on existing city services and programs and staff's ability to serve Boulder residents, as well as our community's strong commitment to social justice.
"The Boulder Police Department complies with federal and state laws and is committed to providing equal protection and quality service to all members of our community. The department conducts thorough investigations and people who commit crime in our community are held accountable and treated appropriately and fairly, regardless of their immigration status."
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.
