New York, NY, January 25, 2017...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today voiced deep concern over President Trump’s executive order defunding so-called “sanctuary cities”-- cities that protect their relationship between police and immigrant communities by refusing to entangle local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement.
“From our years of experiences in training law enforcement on hate crimes in the United States, we know the critical need for trust between police and the communities they have sworn to serve and protect,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Forcing cities to choose between losing funds - or dividing police and immigrant communities - is wrong and dangerous. When immigrants and their families and communities fear police, they become vulnerable to hate crimes. This executive order would create an underclass of people who do not have open access to police protection if they become victims.”
“Weakening law enforcement officers’ relationship with immigrant communities puts all of our communities at risk and deters a segment of our community from calling the police after a crime or from coming forward as witnesses,” said David Friedman, ADL Vice President of Law Enforcement, Extremism and Community Security. “We commend those cities that have prioritized community policing and building a trusting relationship between law enforcement and immigrant communities. We urge them to continue their policies and dedication to keeping all communities safe.”
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.