Adler reiterates city’s opposition to ‘sanctuary city’ bill

As Senate Bill 4 was on its way to a hearing at the Senate Affairs Committee yesterday, Mayor Steve Adler released a statement reiterating that the city of Austin opposes the proposal and fears what effect it would have in our streets. Adler said Austin is one of the safest communities in the country but that designation will be put at risk by the legislation, which would punish “sanctuary cities” like Austin that limit cooperation with federal immigration officials. “If our local law enforcement is required to participate in voluntary programs that create the perception that they are also performing the functions of federal immigration agents, they will lose the trust relationship that keeps us all safe,” Adler wrote. “I stand with our public safety professionals in opposing a bill that will make our communities less safe by sowing the seeds of distrust.”