The Madison City Council unanimously passed a resolution last night calling for Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney to end the practice of reporting to federal immigration authorities all non-American citizens who are booked into the county jail.
The resolution was authored by alder person Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, “I think that it’s really important that the two Arizona laws that have sparked a national debate are the kind of piecemeal local policies that create hatred and create discrimination. They are the consequences of, I know, the much frustration around the country about our broken immigration system.”
“Let’s not base our decision making on these national polls. Again, I’m glad to know that in this city, I’m very sure that after hearing all the people I have heard tonight, that 90% of our city, if not more would be for this kind of resolution and this kind of policy.”
The resolution has no practical effect, because the council has no power over how the jail is administered. However several council members and people, who spoke in favor of the measure, believe it will send a message.
Dave McCann-WIBA