Demonstrators gathered in the rain outside the Capitol today to protest measures in the Legislature they say will put immigrant families in danger. Among those bills is one that aims to abolish and prevent sanctuary cities through financial penalties. The bill would make it illegal for cities and counties to prohibit the enforcement of federal laws related to immigration. It takes aim at what people call sanctuary cities– though this phrase carries no legal definition.
Last year, thousands gathered to protest a similar bill and another bill prohibiting access to driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Those were ultimately tossed out after the protest when dairy farmers made the surprising decision to go against the Republican bill. This year, activists are calling the campaign “Got Milk? Not without Immigrants.” It’s meant to emphasize the potential exodus of immigrants if the bill passes.
WORT Reporter Nina Kravinsky covered the story.