Ignoring the threat of a mayoral veto, the City Council in Springfield, Massachusetts has passed an ordinance forbidding city employees from asking about a person’s immigration status.
The vote was 10-3 to approve the “Welcoming Community Trust” ordinance. If vetoed, the council would need nine votes for an override.
Councilor Adam Gomez, the lead sponsor, criticized Mayor Domenic Sarno and refuted claims the ordinance would lead to an influx of undocumented immigrants that would put a financial burden on the city’s public schools, housing and health services.
"It is an embarassment to consistently argue with an administration that is not fact-driven," said Gomez.
Before final passage the council amended language in the ordinance that would let the police inquire about immigration status as part of a criminal investigation.
Sarno claims the intent of the ordinance is to make Springfield a "sanctuary city" -- something he has vowed repeatedly to not let happen.
