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Springfield Mayor Vetoes Sanctuary City Ordinance

Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno says UMass can play a critical role in the city’s revitalization. (Kirk Carapezza for WBUR)
Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno says UMass can play a critical role in the city’s revitalization. (Kirk Carapezza /WBUR)

A Massachusetts mayor has vetoed an ordinance he says would have made his municipality a so-called "sanctuary city."

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said Tuesday he vetoed the "Welcoming Community Trust" ordinance because he believes it would create financial and legal challenges for the city.

The Democrat argues police might need to inquire about immigration status when investigating organized crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, identity theft and other crimes.

The ordinance prevents city officials from making immigration inquiries unless it's "required by state or federal law or to provide a public benefit."

The ordinance also prevents officials from discriminating against "medical, educational, or faith institutions" that provide refuge to immigrants.

The City Council could still override the veto with a two-thirds majority. It approved the ordinance on a 10-3 vote Monday.


Correction: An earlier version of this post misspelled Sarno's first name. The post has been updated. We regret the error.

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