Statement from Mayor Strimling Re Sanctuary City

PORTLAND, Maine -- Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling released the following statement today regarding the fact that Portland is not a sanctuary city. While Chapter 2 of the Portland City Code does state that City employees are not to ask the immigration status of individuals who are seeking City services, unless ordered to do so by a court or law, the ordinance further states that law enforcement personnel are to cooperate with federal officials, which is contrary to what a sanctuary city would do.

Mayor Strimling
"In response to recent fears that the city of Portland will cooperate with the Trump Administration in the deportation of millions, I want to reiterate that Portland is a welcoming city and nothing has changed on the local level since the election. While we are not a sanctuary city, our city employees and police do not currently go around stopping people to ask their immigration status nor will they start now. Not only that, the current Council is looking at ways to create an Office of New Americans so we can re-double our efforts at integration and inclusion.

"I want to reassure our residents that they are welcome here and we will not tolerate hate crimes, bigotry, or intolerance. And we will not participate in any witch hunts that intimidate our residents."