PORT TOWNSEND — Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will hold an information session today on what it means to be a sanctuary city and what people can do within their own organizations to become a more welcoming community.
“This event is an open invitation to the public,” said event organizer Viki Sonntag. “We’re looking at ways to not only provide support for a sanctuary city measure but also how we, through our congregations and service organizations, can help those vulnerable people.”
The event will be held at the Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship sanctuary, 2333 San Juan Ave., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.
The information session comes after roughly 90 community members attended a Port Townsend City Council meeting last Monday to speak on a proposed resolution that would make Port Townsend a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants.
The council didn’t make a decision last week, but a three-person committee made up of council members Michelle Sandoval, David Faber and Amy Howard are expected to present a new resolution Feb. 27.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Jan. 25 that threatens sanctuary jurisdictions with loss of federal funds.
Sanctuary jurisdictions are cities, counties and state agencies that don’t comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373, which states that “a local government entity … may not prohibit, or in any way restrict, any government entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, the Immigration and Naturalization Service information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual.”
Port Townsend received an estimated $11 million in federal funds in 2016, city officials have said.
The city uses the majority of its federal funding for law enforcement, highways, hazard negation projects and environmental protections, City Manager David Timmons has said.
“It’ll be a combination of information and looking at what a sanctuary city means from a faith perspective and what it means for those who are immigrants,” Sonntag said of today’s event.
Immigration attorney Annie Benson will attend to give some information on the legal aspects of being a sanctuary city, then the group will break out into smaller groups to share their opinions and network about how to get involved, according to Sonntag.
“We find that the small groups are effective since it’s not just being talked at but also being heard,” Sonntag said. “We want to let people share how they’re feeling and how to get involved.”
Sonntag said the event is open to those who aren’t sold on the idea of Port Townsend becoming a sanctuary city.
“I think anyone who shows up will be treated respectfully,” Sonntag said. “It’s going to be a safe space for sharing so everyone should be able to speak what’s in their hearts.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
