Public hearing tonight on Ann Arbor's proposed immigration ordinance

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Citizens in support of having Ann Arbor declare itself a sanctuary city demonstrate outside city hall on Monday afternoon, Feb. 6, 2017. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

By Ryan Stanton
on April 03, 2017 at 1:46 PM, updated April 03, 2017 at 1:47 PM

ANN ARBOR, MI - The Ann Arbor City Council is expected to cast a final vote Monday night, April 3, on a new ordinance making it clear the city isn't interested in getting involved in federal immigration enforcement.

The ordinance, which comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's ramped-up enforcement efforts, spells out when city police officers and other public servants can and can't ask about someone's immigration status, codifying the city's existing practice of generally not soliciting such information.

The council already gave initial approval at first reading on March 6. As is the city's practice with approval of all new ordinances, there will be a public hearing Monday night before the council casts a final vote.

The hearing will be held toward the beginning of the meeting, after an initial reserved public comment period, communications from the mayor and council, approval of consent agenda items and another public hearing regarding annexation of property on Wagner Road. Speakers will have three minutes each to speak and do not need to sign up in advance.

Ann Arbor officials are being lobbied by immigrant rights advocates to join the resistance against Trump.

After a recent meeting between some City Council members and the city's administration, there's clear agreement "there should be a firewall between federal immigration enforcement and our local policing activities," said Council Member Chuck Warpehoski, D-4th Ward.

Warpehoski previously announced his intention to bring forward a companion resolution on April 3 to address other issues related to city policing and immigration enforcement and to provide expanded protections for immigrants in the community. He indicated at the council's March 20 meeting that it won't be ready until the council's April 17 meeting now.

Monday night's meeting starts at 7 p.m. inside the council chambers on the second floor of city hall, 301 E. Huron St.

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