The city council in Denver, Colorado on Monday passed an ordinance that offered protection for immigrants in the city, according to Denver's KDVR.
The ordinance prohibits Denver officials from asking for the immigration status of an individual who has been arrested. Also, Denver will ignore Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests and will not allow ICE to conduct in-person interviews with those in jail.
The new ordinance complies with federal law, according to Mayor Michael Hancock.
"Denver is sending a clear and resolute message to our community that we stand with the immigrant and refugee communities and are committed to remaining a city that is safe and welcoming for all," the mayor said in a statement, according to KDVR.
"Local government's ability to protect and serve all of our people is enhanced when community members feel safe coming forward as either a victim or a witness to a crime, regardless of their legal status. Through this ordinance and the other steps we are taking, Denver is building a trusting relationship with our immigrant and refugee communities that will improve the safety of our city and help everyone feel more secure," the mayor's statement continued.
Hancock also said he would sign an executive order that would coordinate support for immigrants and refugees, including setting up a legal defense fund and helping children and families "who become separated by the country's broken immigration system."
Colorado State Rep. Dave Williams wrote a letter dated Aug. 22 to President Donald Trump urging him to take action against Denver for not helping to enforce federal immigration laws, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Williams said in the letter that the mayor is attempting to "pander to the alt-left."
The Denver mayor rejected Williams' letter.
"We are not going to engage in an obvious effort by Mr. Williams to create some headlines for himself. Should he care to educate himself on the ordinance and why it does not violate federal law, we are glad to refer him to Google search," Hancock said, according to the Gazette.
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