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Hundreds attend meeting on proposed sanctuary ordinance in Salem

SALEM, Mass. — More than 200 people packed Bentley Academy Charter School in Salem Wednesday night for the first of several meetings to reaffirm that city’s policy of not actively assisting federal authorities in deporting undocumented immigrants.

Mayor Kim Driscoll said the proposed Sanctuary for Peace ordinance would be in compliance with federal law, and wouldn’t jeopardize the nearly $11 million in federal funding the city gets every year – but not everyone agreed.

“His wording, his mind, he’s scary,” one resident said referring to President Donald Trump. “And on the back of $11 million, that’s the tip of the iceberg. Are we prepared to lose more? I’m not.”

People on both sides of the issue attended the meeting, and they all had one thing in common, strong opinions.

“I feel the American people are being robbed by Donald trump and we’re being robbed of the important American values I believe in,” one resident said.

This ordinance would ensure that law enforcement officials don’t ask for someone’s immigration status unless they are under arrest, which is the current policy of the police department.

The City Council will vote on this ordinance twice before it is formally approved.