Words matter. But they also can confuse.

In the aftermath of the presidential election, the phrase “sanctuary city” has found its way into the national conversation. The problem is that there is no common understanding of what it means. There is a common misperception that “sanctuary cities” can somehow prevent the Department of Homeland Security from enforcing immigration laws within their boundaries. That is not accurate.

Despite numerous cities declaring themselves a “sanctuary city,” DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers can take someone into custody if they have evidence of an immigration violation or take action against employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. This is true of any city in the country. Related Articles St. Paul City Council approves $600,000 charge for downtown improvement district

St. Paul schools superintendent gets high marks, but board wants progress on equity, enrollment, student achievement

St. Paul district reports enrollment drop as pandemic moves school online

Police: 15-year-old has life-threatening injuries after being shot in face in St. Paul

CEO of MPR’s parent company to step down following blowback on racial and gender equity issues

Having said that, City of Saint Paul employees are not immigration officials. I want to be very clear about what the law is — and has been since 2004 — in Saint Paul. Chapter 44 of the City’s Administrative Code is entitled “Employee Authority in Immigration Matters” and is understood as a separation ordinance. Cities call these “separation ordinances” to emphasize the separate role of local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement. While I would encourage everyone to read it for themselves, the fundamental provisions of the chapter are the following:

The City works cooperatively with the DHS, as it does with all state and federal agencies, but the City does not operate DHS programs for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws.

It is the policy of the City that all residents are equally entitled to protection and that all residents should be able to access City services to which they are entitled, without regard to their immigration status under federal law.

Public safety personnel may assist federal law enforcement officers in the investigation of criminal activity involving individuals present in the United States who may also be in violation of federal civil immigration laws.

In plain language:

The City of Saint Paul wants all its residents to feel comfortable seeking out City services — including law enforcement — when they are in need. We want everyone to call the police when they are the victim of or witness to a crime without fear they will be asked about their immigration status. We want everyone to call the paramedics in a medical emergency, enroll their children in after-school programs or use our library services. Our staff — including our police officers — will not ask for proof of immigration status. Period.

The City of Saint Paul does not provide safe harbor to criminals. While we know that the percentage of undocumented residents who commit criminal offenses is very, very small, if someone is suspected of committing a criminal offense, they will be prosecuted and, if found guilty, appropriately sentenced. If they are also in violation of federal immigration laws, those matters will be handled separately by the Department of Homeland Security.

Chiefs of police across the country have supported the enactment of ordinances similar to this in their communities, because mutual trust is the foundation for safe and strong communities. Indeed, I suspect that every city now being described as a “sanctuary city” would be more accurately described as having a separation ordinance.

The people of Saint Paul are bound together by our common immigrant roots. For generations, we have established kinship by neighborhood, and we are connected by our resilience and mutual commitment to making this city exceptional. Saint Paul is a city of immigrants. I could not be more proud of the community we are building together grounded in mutual support and affection. And I know that many — those with and without documentation — are afraid of what lies ahead. Having been hopeful that one or another bi-partisan effort to protect students and create paths to citizenship would become law, they are understandably discouraged. We all are. And now, people worry that their name or accent will subject them to unfounded suspicion and investigation.

While I cannot tell you with clarity what action the new administration will take on immigration policy, I do know this: Saint Paul remains a welcoming city that is committed to protecting and serving all who call it home — and our strength is rooted in our rich diversity and proud immigrant history.

Our message is clear: We will resist any attempt by the federal government to tell us how to police our community or to turn our officers into ICE agents. Morevover, we promise to deliver respectful and welcoming services. We will continue to strive to meet the highest standards of equity and dignity for all of our residents.

Chris Coleman is mayor of St. Paul.