Cincinnati declares status as Sanctuary City
President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the Brent Spence Bridge in Ohio. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the state of this Bridge and the possible construction of a new structure.
March 6, 2017
There have been recent reports of turning Cincinnati into a “Sanctuary City,” where people of all backgrounds, documented or not, will be protected.
“The term ‘sanctuary city’ is a broad term that describes up to 300 communities that have policies protecting the nation’s 11 million undocumented immigrants from deportation,” according to USA Today.
Many have opposed this declaration, citing it as a danger to the community, a threat to police forces, and a chance for losing much needed federal funding.
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley has taken a stand for making Cincinnati a safe place to live, but in doing so, he has created a massive movement in both directions- for and against the title.
In particular, Josh Mandel, the state treasurer, strongly opposed this declaration, stating that Cranley was violating a federal law.
Part of the arguments against the Sanctuary City title is the fear of losing federal funding for much-needed repairs on infrastructure such as the Western Hills Viaduct or the Brent Spence Bridge.
The Brent Spence Bridge, in particular, has been showing signs of wear and decay and has been a source of frequent car accidents.
However, in an interview, Cincinnati Council Member Chris Seelbach, who is in full support of the title, pointed out that Cincinnati’s Sanctuary City status is part of a nonbinding resolution that stipulates that the city council and the mayor support immigrants, it is not a law.
Thus, the potential loss of federal funding is not likely. In addition, local law enforcement does not have any part in any federal immigration law.
“We have not and will not violate federal law, politicians who say otherwise are grandstanding and fear mongering,” Cranley said.
Being a sanctuary city means protecting and making a statement towards the rights of immigrants, the major goal of this title is to make Cincinnati a more comfortable place to live for people of all different backgrounds.
“We have put the whole world on notice that we intend to live up to the Statue of Liberty ideals,” Cranley said.
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