DURHAM, N.H. (AP) - Town councilors in Durham are going to discuss whether the town should declare itself a sanctuary city.
While there’s no official definition, cities that call themselves sanctuaries often they tell police not to inquire about people’s immigration status and decline requests from immigration officials to detain defendants while awaiting deportation.
Durham Town Manager Todd Selig says residents have been raising the issue since Republican President Donald Trump took office.
He says Durham is a welcoming community, and officials are investigating what such a designation would mean. It will be discussed at Monday night’s council meeting.
Proponents of sanctuary policies say they help foster trust between immigrants and local police as they investigate crimes. Trump has threatened to withdraw federal funding from sanctuary cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago.
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