GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Last Wednesday President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at stripping federal money from states and sanctuary cities that shelter illegal immigrants.
Many people may wonder if Green Bay is considered a sanctuary city and if this order will have any ramifications on the community.
Police Chief Andrew Smith explains Green Bay’s status.
“Green Bay is not a sanctuary city and as far as I know, it never has been. So, the sanctuary city terms in the president’s declaration really won’t affect us here at all in Green Bay.”
The chief says immigration is a federal issue and his officers don’t ask people about their immigration status.
“We tell our officers that a person’s immigration status is really not a concern for us until they commit a crime. Somebody commits a crime, we don’t even ask them their immigration status then. But when they get to jail and they’re being detained in the jail, that’s when the immigration status gets questioned,” Smith said.
Smith says having good relations with all groups, including the immigrant community, is critical with reporting and solving crimes.
“We’re here to help people. We’re here to solve crimes. We’re here to prevent people from being taken advantage of and victimized. We’re not here to enforce immigration laws.”
