In response to recent reports of federal immigration raids, cities and counties are taking action. From New Haven to Baltimore and beyond, municipalities have committed to working with community and government partners to ensure all residents – especially parents and children fleeing violence – have access to city services and reputable legal service providers in the face of deportation. Here a few examples of cities and counties taking action to support all residents: 

Mayor Toni Harp of New Haven, CT declared that, “New Haven police officers, school district employees and other city workers do not and will not act to enforce federal immigration law. Those who represent this city act in support of all residents regardless of documentation and immigration status.”

Montgomery County, MD Executive Ike Leggett and the Montgomery County Council issued a statement assuring residents that they will have pathways for due process: “We will continue to work closely with our community-based nonprofit and faith based partners to develop ongoing ‘know your rights’ training around the county, increase pro bono legal support, and develop and distribute educational materials as part of a bilingual public information campaign.”

Mayor Rawlings-Blake of Baltimore  wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, in which she states: "I urge you to remember that many of the families who have recently moved to our city are fleeing some of the most violent countries in the Western Hemisphere. The conditions of these countries merit a compassionate and appropriate response..."

Mayor Garcetti of Los Angeles supported LAUSD President Steve Zimmer's proposal to ban federal immigration officers from schools.  The Board voted unanimously approved the proposal to protect students from ICE agents while on campus. (February 9, 2016).