Explanation
This purpose of this code change is to prohibit the use of city-controlled spaces in federal civil immigration enforcement activity, and to define restricted and semi-restricted areas for the purposes of controlling how those spaces are accessed by immigration enforcement officers with or without the authority to do so. The code further directs the Director of Finance and Management to craft rules and signage reflecting the city’s restrictions on use.
In response to the disruptive nature of the aggressive tactics employed by federal immigration enforcement officers, this ordinance is one in a package of policies intended to curb federal overreach and abusive enforcement practices. These policies reflect Council’s commitment to ensuring that Columbus is a place where people can feel safe going to work, opening businesses and investing in their future.
Emergency action is requested in order to immediately enact space use restrictions in advance of anticipated activity here in central Ohio.
Title
To create new chapter 155 - City Property and Immigration Enforcement Matters; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus is a welcoming city and is home to thousands of immigrants, refugees, and naturalized residents; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council has an obligation to enact policies that protect our residents as well as the employees of the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is one in a package of policies intended to curb federal overreach and abusive enforcement practices; and
WHEREAS, this code change restricts the use of city-controlled property by immigration enforcement officials for the purposes of staging or for immigration enforcement activities, absent the legal authorization to do so; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily business of City Council in that it is immediately necessary to authorize this code change in response to anticipated immigration enforcement activity in Columbus to preserve the pub...
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