Mayor willing to 'go to jail' to protest Trump immigration policies
Libby Schaaf called Donald Trump the 'bully in chief'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The mayor of a California city has said she is prepared to go to jail after its council voted to end cooperation with federal immigration agents and protect its status as a so-called sanctuary city.
Speaking after Oakland City Council voted unanimously to end its cooperation following reports federal immigration officers were planing to launch massive raids across the Bay Area, Mayor Libby Schaaf said: “Let me be clear, that cities that have sanctuary status are engaging in their legal right.”
ABC News said, when asked if she was prepared to go to jail over the issue, she responded: “Yes”.
Ms Schaaf called President Donald Trump the “bully in chief” and claimed his immigration policies intimidated vulnerable communities.
“It is no surprise that the bully in chief is continuing to try to intimidate our most vulnerable residents,” she said. “We’re very clear that our values are to protect all of our residents regardless of where we come from. We want to protect families, not tear them apart.”
Ms Schaaf’s remarks came during a week when rumours were rife that agents planned to launch raids because California has become a Sanctuary State and several communities have adopted Sanctuary City policies.
“We are exercising our legal right to be a Sanctuary City and to protect our residents,” Ms Schaaf said.
“The fact that the federal government is suggesting that it is actively retaliating against jurisdictions that are exercising their right to have sanctuary policies – that is what is illegal.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments