EASTHAMPTON — The contentious citywide discussion last year on whether to prohibit Easthampton’s resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement is back on the table.
The City Council Rules and Government Relations Subcommittee will discuss the request for so-called “sanctuary city” measures at a 5 p.m. meeting Thursday in the second-floor meeting area of the Municipal Building, 50 Payson Ave.
A petition asking city officials to consider an ordinance or an executive order, which would be issued by the mayor, to make “Easthampton Safe for Everyone” was submitted to the council in October.
The City Council decided to wait until the new term with a new mayor and council members to take a fresh look at considering if a regulation should be in place that would designate Easthampton a sanctuary city.
Former mayor Karen Cadieux was against issuing a sanctuary city executive order. The City Council looked into an ordinance, but the idea was dropped after City Solicitor John H. Fitz-Gibbon wrote an opinion stating that, according to the charter, the council does not have authority to issue such an ordinance.
Subcommittee Chairman Dan Rist said the subcommittee will discuss the city solicitor’s opinion and allow statements from the city councilors, the police chief and the public.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.