The Corvallis City Council passed a resolution Monday night declaring the Willamette Valley college town a sanctuary city.
Biff Traber, the city’s mayor, said the resolution means the city values diversity and is welcoming to all.
“But more, we’re trying to communicate to the citizens that they should not fear city government, they should not be fearful in the city," Traber said.
The resolution passed 8-1. Since the election of Donald Trump, who has said he plans to deport millions of immigrants, cities around the Pacific Northwest and in California have reaffirmed their commitment to sheltering immigrants.
State law prevents Oregon police agencies from enforcing federal immigration law if a suspect’s only crime is being in the country illegally.
Two Oregon state lawmakers are working to repeal that law with a possible ballot measure in 2018.
Copyright 2016 Oregon Public Broadcasting
