Eric Lacy

Lansing State Journal

LANSING - The City Council made Lansing a "sanctuary city" Monday night with a 6-0 vote.

But it's unclear precisely what that means, because the resolution doesn't include a definition.

Before the meeting, Mayor Virg Bernero issued an executive order outlining how city police will interact with citizens, but that document did not include the words "sanctuary city." The council then approved a resolution that "declares the City of Lansing a sanctuary city according to the mayor's April 3, 2017 executive order and this resolution."

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City Attorney Jim Smiertka warned council members before the vote that the sanctuary city term could impact the city, depending on how President Donald Trump's administration defines it.

Trump has proposed stripping federal funds from cities that offer sanctuary to immigrants who are in the country without authorization. Lansing receives about $6.5 million in federal funding annually.

A U.S. Department of Justice spokesperson reiterated in an email to the Lansing State Journal on Tuesday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions has a firm belief that "the American people want and deserve a lawful immigration system that keeps us safe."

"Failure to deport aliens who are convicted of criminal offenses makes our nation less safe by putting dangerous criminals back on our streets," wrote Ian D. Prior, the Justice Department's principal deputy director of public affairs.

Bernero had previously declared Lansing a welcoming city for immigrants and on Feb. 2 told the State Journal that Lansing already was "sanctuary enough."

His new order says the city will comply with federal law, but also states that Lansing police officers will not stop, pursue or arrest anyone based solely on their immigration status or violations of immigration laws and that police will not ask about the immigration status of crime victims or witnesses.

The sanctuary city resolution was introduced by 4th Ward Council Member Jessica Yorko, who, like Bernero, will not seek re-election. It appeared to please activists from the group By Any Means Necessary, who sought such a resolution for weeks.

Bernero, speaking Monday at City Council's Committee of the Whole meeting, said his order will help develop new procedures in the city that will "preserve and enhance" existing relationships between the community and police department.

Lansing Police Chief Mike Yankowski said Tuesday in a statement his department's Procedures Committee will work with Bernero's office, the Board of Police Commissioners and City Attorney's office to develop new and updated polices that will "clarify LPD's public safety role in dealing with immigration matters."

"Effective immediately," all police department members will adhere to nine provisions stated in Bernero's order, Yankowski said.

At-Large Council Member Judi Brown Clarke, who is running for mayor, said Tuesday in a statement that her vote Monday night reaffirmed Lansing's position as a "welcoming city." The statement didn't refer to the "sanctuary city" term in the approved resolution.

“As a city councilwoman, I am responsible for protecting our community and all who live in our great city," Clarke said. "It is imperative that our police officers serve in a position of trust, where public safety is the priority. As an elected official, I also serve as a steward of the city’s resources. If Lansing should face any financial sanctions from the federal government as a result of our renewed Welcoming City status, I am committed to doing my due diligence to fully protect the city, its residents and its resources.”

State Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, also a mayoral candidate, said in a statement that he has concerns about Lansing possibly losing federal funds although he does support policies specifying that Lansing Police won't act as immigration officials.

"I have nine months until I would take office as mayor, if elected," Schor said. "During that time, I will fight state legislation that would eliminate revenue sharing to Lansing and other communities that take actions on behalf of their citizens. I will also see what repercussions occur, if any, at the state and federal level and make future decisions based on what is best for Lansing."

Eric Lacy is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at (517) 377-1206 or elacy@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricLacy.