This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Much time was spent recently at City Council meetings listening to public
comment about sanctuary cities. In case you’re unfamiliar, it’s a label being
attached to various communities that choose to protect the rights of all
community members regardless of their immigration status.
Some say the undocumented immigrant community members are breaking
the law and should be punished; others say that protecting human dignity is
more important.
Longmont has a long history of welcoming all people into the community,
and we have worked hard over the years to enhance our relationships with
everyone who resides here regardless of their culture, their country of origin,
their economic means, or their immigration status.
That includes the relationship-building from Longmont Public Safety. I
agree with Public Safety Chief Mike Butler who says we need to encourage
people to reach out to us if they need any kind of public safety service. They
need to know that we can be trusted and that our services are accessible to
anyone, regardless of their status. That does not mean that we cannot or will
not use the full force of local and state ordinances and statutes to enforce our
laws against anyone who commits a crime, regardless of immigration status.
Longmont’s approach has been consistent for many years and it has
created a strong and resilient community. We will not let fear and labels define
who we are.
What we as a City Council have committed to is formalizing the policies
and procedures that we have adhered to for years. You can find that
document at bit.ly/immigrationpolicies and see how we will continue to
embrace anyone who wants to be a contributing member of the Longmont
community
Originally Published in the July City Line Newsletter from the City of Longmont, Volume 28 Number 7. Published here as a public service by the Longmont Observer.
