Is there a Sanctuary City in the Lowcountry?


Friday September 07, 2007 5:32pm Reporter: Sarah DeMarco Posted By: Sandee Jackson


orth Charleston, SC - Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says he will not tolerate interference by so-called "Sanctuary Cities." Two weeks ago, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey told us his city isn't becoming a sanctuary for illegals, but he says his city leaders aren't asking questions either.

"What are we doing unless we find a way to ID people and know who's here. I can't control what I don't know," said Mayor Summey.

Mayor Summey says he's trying to make his city safe for everyone, legal or illegal. He says having his police officers only ask about a crime and not someone's residency will reduce the city's violent crime rates, especially against hispanics.

"We're about dealing with human beings. We're not dealing with someone who doesn't breathe, and quite honestly, I think the whole approach Channel 4's taken on this Friday has been a little inhumane," Summey said in response to whether or not North Charleston is a "Sanctuary City."

Summey says he can't wait on the Federal Government to do something about illegal immigration. Homeland Security officials say they'll be enforcing the Basic Pilot Program. It requires businesses to check the legal status of new employees by matching Social Security numbers and information in Homeland Security Department databases. Another 145 miles of fencing along the southern U.S. border will be in place by the end of the month.

http://www.abcnews4.com/news/stories/0907/453645.html