CWS Denounces President Trump’s Announcement on Sanctuary Cities


January 25, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 25th, 2017
CONTACT: Myrna Orozco| 202.830.7421| media@cwsglobal.org

CWS DENOUNCES PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON SANCTUARY CITIES

Washington D.C. – Following President Trump’s announcement today [giving cities an ultimatum to force local police to serve as federal immigration agents or risk losing federal funding], CWS strongly denounced the decision and reaffirmed its commitment to stand in support of the nearly 11 million undocumented people living in the United States by continuing its work with communities of faith to provide Sanctuary during this critical time.

Rev. John L. McCullough, CWS President and CEO, said: “Forcing local police to abandon community safety in the name of targeting undocumented immigrants reverses years of intentional, community-based policing efforts that are vital to public safety in neighborhoods across the nation. Faith communities across traditions have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our immigrant neighbors, opposing policies that would force local police to serve as immigration agents and calling on all elected leaders to champion policies that would create a path to citizenship for undocumented individuals in the United States.”

This announcement will not make U.S. communities any safer and instead will lead to an erosion of trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities across the country. Local police departments know that when all individuals can report dangerous situations and seek protection from violence without the fear of being deported and separated from their families, safety increases for everyone.

“CWS is strongly committed to protecting our immigrant brothers and sisters and standing with them during these trying times,” said Rev. Noel Andersen, CWS National Grassroots Coordinator. “We urge cities to keep and strengthen policies that foster community trust with police, and protect all members of our communities. CWS reaffirms our own commitment to continue working with faith communities and people of conscience to ensure that immigrant communities are protected through the National Sanctuary Movement. More than 500 congregations have pledged to provide safety and solidarity to immigrants who are targeted by these negative policy changes.”

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Since 1946, Church World Service has supported refugees, immigrants and other displaced individuals, in addition to providing sustainable relief and development solutions to communities that wrestle with hunger and poverty.