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 Borough of Hightstown, NJ

 Sanctuary Resolution 2005-66

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Borough of Hightstown

 NJ Sanctuary Resolution

Note:  The discussion and text of Resolution 2005-66 below was reproduced as is from the March 7, 2005 archived pdf file, page 10-11, Borough of Hightstown, NJ website.

 

RESOLUTION 2005-66

At Mayor Patten’s request, Resolution 2005-66 was addressed at this time, as many people in the audience were

awaiting action on this.

RESOLUTION 2005-66, RESOLUTION REGARDING THE ACTIONS WITHIN HIGHTSTOWN BOROUGH BY THE

UNITED STATES BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT

Chief Eufemia stated, “This Resolution has undergone many changes as a result of input from every facet of our

community and elsewhere. From my part in law enforcement, maintaining the trust of the whole community and having

the community have confidence in the police department is most important. We can’t have people afraid to tell us when

they are victims of a crime. It creates problems for everyone.”

Councilman Sackowitz recommended certain additional changes to the language of the Resolution, and distributed

copies of same.

Councilman Quattrone commended Mr. Sackowitz for his work on this Resolution, and expressed his support for the

Resolution with his revisions.

Council President Schneider stated that he was “thrilled with Ron’s changes,” and said that the Resolution “has

undergone a dramatic change from where it had been in its language and its implications.” He noted that the Resolution

does nothing to change our current laws.

Councilwoman Laudenberger thanked Chief Eufemia for putting forward this Resolution and said that it was “an excellent

starting point.” With his input, she said, many became more aware of the problem, and of the difference between ICE

and our own police department. She was pleased that the Resolution has been modified with the input of many to

become one that all could support.

Councilman Thompson stated that there has been some discussion regarding whether Hightstown should get involved in

Federal policy. He noted that, with Councilman Sackowitz’s changes, President George Bush was added to the

distribution list for this Resolution. The President, he said, has referred to terrorists “disliking us because they hate our

freedom.” “I disagree,” Councilman Thompson said. “As citizens and as a local government, we have to be cautious of

when our freedoms can be challenged. That is our role.”

At this time, Councilman Sikorski moved Resolution 2005-66, to include the changes proposed at this meeting by

Councilman Sackowitz. His motion was seconded by Councilwoman Laudenberger.

Roll Call: Councilmembers Laudenberger, Quattrone, Sackowitz, Schneider, Sikorski and Thompson voted yes.

Resolution adopted, 6-0.

The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2005-66 was met with applause from members of the public.

 

RESOLUTION 2005-66 RESOLUTION REGARDING ACTIONS WITHIN HIGHTSTOWN BOROUGH BY THE

UNITED STATES BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT

WHEREAS, the Borough of Hightstown is comprised of immigrants from throughout the world who contribute to Hightstown’s

social vigor, cultural richness, and economic vitality; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Hightstown has been a town that traditionally respects the rights of and provides equal services to all

individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status; and

March 7, 2005 – Page 11

WHEREAS, the Borough of Hightstown and its law enforcement agency have made combating ethnic and racial profiling a

priority; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Hightstown Police Department has made it a priority to gain the trust and confidence of the entire

community as part of its law enforcement and public service mission and as part of its community policing program; and

WHEREAS, by identifying themselves as “Police,” U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (“ICE”) officers have created the erroneous appearance that they are a part of, or associated with the Hightstown

Borough Police, thereby substantially putting at risk the trust and confidence of the immigrant community which the Borough and its

Police Department have cultivated for the past several years; and

WHEREAS, the fear and concern brought about by these actions could lead to a loss of trust and confidence of the immigrant

community in the Borough police threatens the health, safety, and welfare of the entire Hightstown community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hightstown strongly encourage ICE to

engage in conduct that does not create needless mistrust and fear of the Hightstown Borough Police Department and other municipal

agencies which are committed to help, rather than harm, productive and valuable members of our community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hightstown will commit itself and the resources of

the Borough of Hightstown to restoring the trust Hightstown Borough residents have in the municipal government and police

department, so that all Hightstown residents and visitors, including all immigrants, can have the confidence to contact and interact with

local police without fear of immigration consequences; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hightstown strongly encourage the President of the

United States and the U.S. Congress to continue to pass rational and just immigration laws that will provide undocumented immigrants

with the opportunity to legalize their status based on the sponsorship of their family members and employers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the President of the United States, United States

Senators Frank Lautenberg and Jon Corzine and Congressman Christopher Smith.