Tucson council restates immigrant-friendly stance in new resolution

Tucson has joined more than three-dozen cities stating they are willing to fight the incoming Trump administration on behalf of illegal immigrants, as local leaders called for the humane treatment of immigrants and condemned any plans at mass deportations proposed by the president-elect.

Citing a rise of hate crimes and generalized fear in the community about the possibility of widespread deportations, Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said Tucson will continue to stand up for the civil rights for all of its residents.

“Tucson remains an immigrant-welcoming community with resources available to help visitors, permanent residents and those seeking to become naturalized U.S. citizens, and none of that is going to change,” said Rothschild.

Rothschild said he has received mixed signals out of Washington, D.C., about what steps the Trump administration will take on immigration enforcement. Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail to build a border wall and conduct mass deportations of illegal immigrants.

Any unconstitutional actions, Rothschild said, would be challenged in court.

He noted during a press conference that the city fought SB 1070, Arizona’s anti-immigration law, as an example of the city’s willingness to fight what local leaders see as unconstitutional measures.

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Vice Mayor Regina Romero spoke at a press conference Tuesday night in English and Spanish, telling the public the city’s Police Department will not act as federal immigration officers.

“This mayor and council is committed to a safe and supportive community for all families and individuals, regardless of status, origin, faith, background, or color,” said Romero. “We want to send a clear message that the Tucson Police Department is here to protect and serve. We will not act as a deportation force.”

The city will not, however, use taxpayer money to help illegal immigrants fight deportation, even though several cities have reportedly already set up similar legal defense funds, using taxpayer money and private funds.

City officials handed out information during the press conference outlining existing services already available in community to illegal immigrants, including legal services.

The entire City Council backed a resolution later Tuesday night reinforcing its commitment to humane treatment of immigrants and condemning any threats of mass deportations.

The resolution, however, carries no force of law.