Mayor Mitchell doesn’t see value of New Bedford City Council’s Sanctuary State vote

In a 7-4 vote last Thursday, the City Council yesterday passed a motion “requesting that New Bedford City Council go on record against Massachusetts House Bill 3573 and Senate Bill 1401 which would establish Massachusetts as a Sanctuary State.”

The motion was co-sponsored by councilors Naomi Carney and City Council President Joe Lopes.

“New Bedford has long struck the appropriate balance between holding itself out as one of the most welcoming cities in America while maintaining open channels of communication among law enforcement agencies,” said Mayoy Jon Mitchell. “This approach reflects our city’s collective values and is not enhanced by attaching to it politically charged labels.”

Councilors High Dunn, Derek Baptiste, Debora Coelho, and Maria Giesta voted against the motion. When emailed for comment, only Derek Baptiste responded with “I don’t have a comment. Thank you.”

Details on the motion: https://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-city-council-goes-on-record-against-massachusetts-becoming-a-sanctuary-state/2020/01/10