November 19, 2007

Sanctuary city proposed for Des Moines (Network Against Human Trafficking, Christine Hensley)

A very preliminary proposal to establish Des Moines, Iowa as a sanctuary city has been presented to Councilwoman Christine Hensley (link). It would seek to block that city from inquiring about someone's immigrations status or taking part in federal immigration raids. Hensley's position on the matter isn't clear, but she's at least naive enough to state who would profit from such a scheme:

Hensley said the impetus for the ordinance is illegal immigrants who fear raids and do not come to work, incurring costs on their employers.

She appears to have punted:

"What I suggested to them is there has to be a lot of discussion about it and whether or not there's really a problem."

The other councilmembers either couldn't be reached or said that haven't seen the plan. Two groups are pushing it, with "Alex Orozco, executive director of the Iowa-based Network Against Human Trafficking" refusing to name the other group. One might expect someone against human trafficking to oppose illegal immigration due to the fact that traffickers can take advantage of sanctuary policies and hide among illegal aliens, but apparently he has other goals.

You can contact the mayor and council here: ci.des-moines.ia.us/mayor_council/message/index.htm

11/20 FWIW UPDATE: From this:

"I absolutely and firmly oppose the concept of Des Moines becoming a sanctuary city," Hensley said. She and City Manager Rick Clark said they called the news conference to address a backlash from groups opposed to illegal immigration that began with news reports of the earlier meeting, which she said took place more than a month ago... The outcry included dozens of telephone calls to City Hall. U.S. Rep. Steve King, a Kiron Republican, said he would support efforts to limit federal money to Des Moines, according to an e-mail sent to the City Council by Lorna Davros, the council's administrative assistant... Representatives of national groups opposed to amnesty for immigration violations also called to express concern.

Posted to Immigration2007b at November 19, 2007 11:12 AM