The number of cities declaring themselves safe havens for undocumented immigrants is steadily growing in defiance of President Donald Trump. But amid threats to remove their federal funding, some cities are bucking the trend.
Salinas rejected a resolution last week declaring itself a “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants. The vote was 4 to 3. Councilmembers Scott Davis, Tony Barrera and Gloria De La Rosa were in the majority. Kimbley Craig, Steve McShane, John “Tony” Villegas, and Mayor Joe Gunter voted no.
The vote followed an emotional meeting, in which residents stood up to voice their fears over the new administration’s policies. Some urged the council to take a stand—even if only a symbolic one—to show their unwavering support for the community’s immigrants. But in the end, the majority felt the resolution would do more harm than good.
The stakes were high for Salinas, which receives some $10 million in federal funds annually. That money goes toward critically needed transportation, infrastructure, and public safety projects.
Read more about the vote here.