SAN ANTONIO – The controversial “sanctuary cities" law was under discussion Tuesday during a roundtable at the UNAM San Antonio campus. Some leaders are putting all their efforts toward stopping the law before it takes effect Sept. 1.
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller was among local leaders who attended the event. He referred to characteristics of the Virginia clash this weekend when discussing Senate Bill 4.
"That situation that took place there in Virginia is just an example. When we provoke for verbal and nonverbal communication, hatred, anger, violence, racism, discrimination, and then how (are) we going to resolve? It will be very difficult for the public leaders to help us, especially law enforcement," Garcia-Siller said.
SB 4, commonly referred to as the "show me your papers" bill, allows local law enforcement officers to ask about people's immigration status and comply with federal immigration officers.
Garcia-Siller on Tuesday announced a new campaign to help immigrants.
"We have launched a campaign for the next few days to promote the rights of the immigrants when they are questioned, when they are approached by any person of our society about their legal status, and how they can prepare themselves and their families so they would be less impacted," Garcia-Siller said.
Mexican leaders, state representatives and law enforcement officials also expressed their opinions.
"We will have to follow the law as it’s written. It will require us to train everyone in our police department, which would take probably a good year. We would have to change our general manual," San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said.
McManus said last year the San Antonio Police Department created a written policy in which they would not ask people for their immigration status. He also said if the law goes into effect, resources will become an issue.
"We are not trained in this. We are not federal immigration officers. I don't believe the federal immigration will help us with our calls for service, help us with the capacity that we will face," McManus said.
Many are concerned the law may become discriminatory against Hispanics and would violate human rights.
A federal judge in San Antonio is currently reviewing a lawsuit challenging the law. A ruling is expected soon.
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