FRESNO (KMJ) — “Nothing has changed in Fresno.”
That declaration from Fresno City Councilmember Esmeralda Soria, who was the first to the podium inside Fresno City Hall. Thursday morning’s meeting was prompted by questions over Fresno’s position on immigration, in the wake of fears since President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
“Fresno is a city which will continue to roll out the welcome mat for all immigrants that call Fresno and the Central Valley home. We’re all committed to participate in the national debate as our democracy requires, but we’ll do so while ensuring all our residents feel safe to pursue the American dream.”
Fellow Councilmember Oliver Baines also reassured residents that everyone is considered equal.
“Citizens of the City of Fresno, whether you are undocumented or not, we are going to give you the same protections that we give every other resident of this city. We are going to treat you with the same dignity that we treat every other resident of this city.
“And we are here today to proclaim that to be true, and that is why you see this diverse coalition.”
Both the Mayor and Police Chief echoed the same sentiments, reiterating that it is Fresno PD policy not to enforce violations of immigration law or status.
“I’m the mayor of all of Fresno, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” explains Mayor Lee Brand. “Each and every decision that I make is based on careful consideration of all the available information of what is best for the city as a whole.”
“You may not agree with everything, but understand that my decisions are based on what I think is best for our community.”
Brand says the only difference between Fresno and cities with sanctuary policies “are words with no definition.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
