Groups are warning an Idaho city’s decision to declare itself a non-sanctuary city could have far-reaching implications.
The repercussions are still being felt from the decision by the city of Eagle, near Boise, in July.
Sanctuary cities limit their cooperation with the federal government on immigration laws. The Eagle resolution said the city will not provide services for people who are undocumented. It could be especially harmful for vulnerable community members, such as those who have experienced domestic violence or sexual abuse.
Sarah Sheehan, a clinician with the Women’s and Children’s Alliance in Boise, said the resolution could prevent people from getting support.
“It can create a lot of fear of seeking help from community services in non-sanctuary cities,” Sheehan explained.
The Eagle city council passed the resolution on a consent agenda without public comment. It said the goal of the resolution is “maintaining the safety, well-being, and resources of its residents.” Critics are urging the council to rescind it.
Some states have banned the ability for cities to declare themselves sanctuary cities, such as Florida, but a declaration of non-sanctuary status is rare. In February, Mesa County, Colorado declared itself a non-sanctuary county.
Nisha Newton, social change communications associate for the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, said harms from the resolution could spread beyond Eagle.
“I’m just worried that this decision is going to embolden other discriminatory practices or empower other discriminatory policies throughout the state that we won’t necessarily be able to catch up with as service providers and advocates,” Newton noted.
Newton added people need to stand up for each other and the resolution is the wrong tactic if the goal really is to keep people safe.
“It requires all of us to build safer communities,” Newton emphasized. “Our safety and our wellness doesn’t come off the backs of other people being oppressed and other people being denied services.”
