Kent to vote on sanctuary city status in November

In one of the most controversial initiatives this year, voters on Nov. 7 will be able to decide if Kent will become the first city to declare sanctuary city status in Ohio.

The Kent City Council voted to have the initiative in ballot this past July. If enacted, Kent would limit its cooperation with the national government to enforce immigration law, protecting those in the country illegally from fears of deportation. 

The amendment was proposed through an petition created by Kent Citizens for Democracy, which surpassed the needed 10 percent of voters to get an amendment before city council.

“The very recognizable title of sanctuary city makes it clear that there will be that trust,” said Lee Brooker, president of the Kent Citizens for Democracy.

Despite city council’s support of immigration, some people believe that’s not enough.

“To have policies of non-cooperation with federal immigration agencies in place without the title of sanctuary city would be like having a building with an emergency exit with no sign over the door identifying it as such,” Brooker said. “People need to know.”

The bill is mostly symbolic, and does not provide tangible benefits to immigrants.

Supporters of the bill argue that the sanctuary city status encourages immigrants to report more crimes, use health services and enroll their children in school because they would feel safe in their communities.

“It’s a form of trust,” Brooker said.

Voting to amend the ballot initiative to the city’s charter would mean that Kent would not only join a small group of cities and counties that practice sanctuary policies – it be the first to claim the title in the state of Ohio. Cities such as Columbus practice sanctuary policies without the name. On Feb. 9, the Columbus City Council put Mayor Andrew Ginther’s executive order into effect which offers a variety of protections to undocumented immigrants. The city of Oberlin recently updated their sanctuary policies as of March to reflect the current atmosphere of immigration enforcement on a federal and local level.

Opponents of the ballot initiative are adamant that if Kent were to adopt such language to the city charter, it would be followed by lost federal funds.

“There has been threats made by government entities that any city that participates in sanctuary city (policies), which violates the law, might be looked at unfavorably when it comes to getting funds,” said John Kuhar, a Kent City councilman who opposed the ballot initiative. “Kent gets an awful lot of funds.”

The concern was enough to prompt all but one Kent city council member to vote in favor of adding “not endorsed by City Council” language to the ballot initiative. Since Issue 9 met the ballot initiative requirements to appear on the November ballot, the city council must to allow the issue to appear before its constituents.

The added language in theory would deter any threats of withheld funds but Joe Becker, a member of Kent Citizens against becoming a Sanctuary City, begs to differ.

“It’s foolish to think that if they said ‘oh not me, they believe (in sanctuary city policies) but not me,’” said Becker. “The federal government isn’t going to care, they’re going to cut them off.”

Becker expressed that the added language would make no “difference” in distinguishing the Kent resident’s actions to city council but understands the concern.

“They’re afraid of losing money.” Becker said.

However, recent rulings in both California and Chicago suggest that withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities is unconstitutional.

“It’s luster, and it’s meant to frighten people who depend on this money,” said Steven Volk, a professor at Oberlin College. “I’m not a lawyer…but it’s simply unconstitutional to deprive a city of that money.”

Among the other issues, the influx of undocumented immigrants with criminal tendencies is genuine concern Becker holds. Strongly noting that he’s not anti immigration, Becker wants individuals to be held accountable for their actions; frustrated that criminals could take advantage of Kent’s policies and elude law enforcement.

“Criminals and people who commit terror look for places to blend in. If they know they can do bad at a sanctuary city, well hell let’s send our ugly ones to do the crime in a sanctuary city.” said Becker, liking it to diplomatic immunity.

Kuhar shares similar similar concerns about Kent becoming a popular locations for undocumented immigrants.

“I feel that everyone should go through the proper channels to enter the U.S. just as my ancestors did. You should not be able to come in as an illegal take away, jobs, welfare, medical and etc. without paying the price,” said Kuhar. “I feel that these people are criminals.”

The community will be able to vote sanctuary status for Kent on Nov. 7. 

This article was written by Angelo Angel, Rachel Duthie and Rob DiFranco.

Video Footage Shot by Angelo Angel and Edited by Rob DiFranco