Rochester’s Path to Sanctuary Status: A Call for Bold Action

3 hours ago

As the national debate over sanctuary cities intensifies, Rochester finds itself at a crossroads. The recent presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in our city has sent waves of fear through immigrant communities, forcing us to ask: Are we truly committed to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status? If we are, it is time for Rochester to take the next step, moving beyond symbolic gestures and toward full sanctuary status.

The Current State of Sanctuary in Rochester

Mayor Malik D. Evans has expressed concern over ICE operations in Rochester, clarifying that local officials receive no advance notice of federal enforcement actions. While acknowledging the fear that federal immigration policies create, he has emphasized the need for education and awareness among immigrant communities. However, words alone cannot protect families from the trauma of detainment and deportation.

Councilmember Mary Lupien has reinforced the city’s commitment to treating all residents with dignity, regardless of immigration status. However, she has also pointed out that Rochester’s sanctuary policies—rooted in resolutions like the Sanctuary City Resolution (P-75-17) and General Order 502—do not provide formal legal protections. These measures limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities but lack the permanence and enforceability of legally binding sanctuary legislation.

So while Rochester has taken steps to align itself with sanctuary principles, it is not officially a sanctuary city in the legal sense. To achieve true sanctuary status, the City Council must pass legislation that explicitly limits local cooperation with ICE, affirms noncompliance with unjust federal detainer requests, and ensures undocumented residents have access to critical services without fear.

Why Sanctuary Matters

The call for sanctuary is not just about policy—it is about human lives. Families in Rochester, many of whom have lived here for years, contribute to the local economy, enroll their children in schools, and enrich our communities. Yet, under the current system, they live in constant fear of being separated from their loved ones.

The presence of ICE agents in Rochester has already caused distress among immigrant communities. People are afraid to go to work, take their children to school, or seek medical care. This fear erodes trust between residents and local authorities, making it harder for law enforcement to do their job effectively. When undocumented residents are afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police, public safety suffers for everyone.

From an economic perspective, cities that embrace sanctuary policies experience numerous benefits. Research has shown that sanctuary cities have lower crime rates and stronger local economies compared to cities that cooperate with ICE. Immigrant workers, both documented and undocumented, contribute billions of dollars to the economy through taxes and consumer spending. Rochester must recognize that embracing its immigrant population is not just a moral choice—it is also an economically sound one.

What Must Be Done

For Rochester to become a true sanctuary city, local leaders must take decisive action. This requires more than expressing concern—it demands legislative and policy changes that offer real protections. The following steps are crucial:

Pass a Strong Sanctuary Ordinance The City Council must draft and pass a legally binding ordinance that prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE. This includes prohibiting city officials from sharing data with federal immigration authorities and refusing to hold individuals for ICE detainers without a judicial warrant.
Issue a Public Declaration While some protections already exist, the city must make a public declaration affirming its commitment to protecting immigrant communities. This declaration should clearly outline the rights of undocumented residents and provide them with resources to navigate their legal status.
Fund Legal Aid for Immigrants Many undocumented individuals cannot afford legal representation, putting them at higher risk of deportation. The city should allocate funding for immigrant legal defense, ensuring that those facing deportation have access to competent legal counsel.
Expand Community Outreach and Education Many immigrant residents are unaware of their rights or the resources available to them. The city should collaborate with local advocacy groups to provide know-your-rights workshops, legal clinics, and other essential services.
Prohibit ICE Access to City Facilities The city must implement policies that prevent ICE agents from entering schools, libraries, and other public buildings without a judicial warrant. These spaces should be designated as safe zones where undocumented residents can seek services without fear of apprehension.

How the Community Can Take Action

Securing sanctuary status is not just the responsibility of elected officials—it requires community action. Here’s how Rochester residents can help:

Organize and Attend Demonstrations Public demonstrations are powerful tools for advocating for sanctuary. Peaceful protests at City Hall and other key locations can show elected officials that the community is united in its support for immigrant families.
Engage with Local Officials Calling, emailing, and meeting with City Council members can pressure them to take legislative action. Personal stories from immigrant families can be particularly compelling in swaying public officials.
Sign and Circulate Petitions A petition demonstrating widespread public support can be a persuasive tool in pushing for sanctuary status. When thousands of residents sign onto a demand, it becomes harder for local officials to ignore.
Use Social Media to Raise Awareness Hashtags like #SanctuaryForRochester and #RochesterForImmigrants can help spread awareness and organize efforts online. Social media can be a critical tool in mobilizing support and keeping pressure on decision-makers.
Engage Religious and Community Leaders Faith leaders and community organizations can play a significant role in advocating for sanctuary. Religious institutions have historically been safe havens for immigrants, and their support can provide moral weight to the movement.
Attend City Council Meetings and Speak Out Speaking at public hearings and city meetings ensures that the voices of immigrant communities are heard. Showing up in large numbers demonstrates to local officials that the public demands action.

A Moral Imperative

The fight for sanctuary is more than a political debate—it is a moral imperative. As Alice Walker said, “The most important thing is not to be sorry for yourself. It's to try and be aware of the suffering around you and to act.” Now is the time for Rochester’s leadership to act decisively in protecting its most vulnerable residents.

In the words of Audre Lorde, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” Our freedom, safety, and dignity are interconnected. If we allow immigrant communities to live in fear, we betray the very principles of justice and equity that our city claims to uphold.

The question before us is clear: Will Rochester stand up for its immigrant neighbors, or will we allow fear to dictate our city’s future? The time for bold action is now. Let us move from words to deeds, ensuring that sanctuary status becomes not just a promise, but a reality.

~ George Cassidy Payne is a writer, philosopher, and advocate based in Rochester, NY. His work delves into themes of spirituality, social justice, philosophy, and the human condition. Known for his introspective essays, evocative poetry, and thought-provoking commentary, George contributes to various publications and platforms, offering a distinctive perspective on contemporary issues and timeless questions. Deeply engaged with his community, George writes on topics that resonate locally and globally, including peacebuilding, environmental ethics, and the interplay of faith and reason. His work strikes a balance between intellectual rigor and accessible language, inspiring reflection and connection among a wide audience.