Protecting undocumented immigrants: Watsonville reaffirms sanctuary status

Since Donald Trump took over the White House, immigrant lawyer Doug Keegan said anxiety swept the immigrant community.

“There’s a lot of fear in the community as well, that we have tried to counter at least with information and the latest development that we know of so that people don’t panic,” Keegan said.

Trump’s 10-point immigration plan promised to end sanctuary cities, but Watsonville city officials say they won’t let that happen.

“The backbone is immigrant workers, and we want that community and that labor force to feel that they are safe here,” Watsonville Mayor Oscar Rios said.

Watsonville has been a sanctuary city for a decade, but the presidential election has brought renewed fear, especially among immigrants. Various organizations hosted community building events to assure residents they are safe, and on Thursday, the city is joining in.

The city council once again declared itself as a sanctuary city, promising to protect all residents regardless of their immigration status.

“We are not in cooperation with ICE, and that we are not going to put any resources to that,” Rios said.

Watsonville police said they won’t either.

“We, as the Watsonville Police Department, do not enforce federal immigration policies,” Police Chief David Honda said. “Our job is to encourage and make it safe for our residents.”

Community organizations are also stepping up to prepare to help

“We are a church and a part of a denomination that is committed to caring for those who are in need or those who are indeed or those who are in danger or those who find themselves in the underside of society,” said Robby Olson with United Presbyterian Church.

As the president prepares to roll out immigration orders beginning Wednesday, legal experts are encouraging people to stay informed.

“They need to just be alert to new developments to be in touch with immigrant advocacy organizations, … so that they are aware if in fact the new administration does decide to make serious changes in the program,” Keegan said.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the department is still accepting applications for the Dream Act. There has been no changes to that so far. However, immigration attorneys do suggest applicants seek legal advice before filing.