Sanctuary city status left up for East Lansing City Council to decide

East Lansing could become a sanctuary city, depending on City Council's decisions on Dec. 6.

The city's Human Rights Commission this month approved a resolution asking the council to designate East Lansing a sanctuary city.

The resolution sent to the council for consideration sets parameters for city officials and law enforcement as East Lansing works to support immigrants trying to stay in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at least 13% of the city's population is designated "foreign-born."

"It's going to be for discussion at the next meeting. We don't know if they'll take it to vote," said Elaine Hardy, the city's diversity, equity and inclusion director.

Council's next session is at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road.

The "sanctuary city" label has been controversial because critics say it signals an intent to disobey or ignore federal immigration laws.

East Lansing Mayor Ron Bacon declined to comment until after city council takes action on the resolution.

The proposal states city officials and law enforcement would not collaborate with federal agents to enforce immigration.

"City of East Lansing officials, including its law enforcement officers, shall not take any direct action against any individual based solely on their actual or perceived immigration status, nor shall any individual be held in local custody solely for a civil immigration hold unless the individual has been convicted or charged with certain serious offenses, or is a sex or arson registrant," the proposed resolution reads.

City safeguards refugees:East Lansing will be 'safe haven' for refugees

Officials and law enforcement, however, may cooperate with federal agencies if they're pursuing criminal cases or protecting the public.

The resolution would require the city manager and other city staff to report back to council if federal funds are threatened "as a result of the city’s policies to protect and defend its diverse community."

East Lansing City Council unanimously passed a resolution in 2017 declaring the city a safe haven. Then, it stated the city would refuse cooperation with federal agencies with violations on a person "based on religion, national origin, immigrant, or refugee status.”

Neighboring Lansing had sanctuary city status for less than two weeks before its city council repealed the resolution on April 12, 2017. Businesses, residents, politicians and TV personalities had weighed in on the status.

Former Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero already had issued an executive order with guidelines pertaining to the treatment of refugees and immigrants. While not including the words "sanctuary city," his order created written standards the police department must follow when officers and staff interact with immigrants and refugees.

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Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at 517-267-1344 or knurse@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @KrystalRNurse.