Father Fred Thelen fights for the rights of immigrants and says he's delighted Lansing is a sanctuary city.
"This is really a historic event for Lansing," Father Thelen said.
He says that's because illegal immigrants can feel safer, knowing they won't be turned over to the federal government.
"Families that want to stay together, it's going to help that continue to happen," Father Thelen said.
Father Thelen says it'll strengthen relationships between the police and the community as well. He knows undocumented workers who've been afraid to call the police in the past, in fear that they'll get in trouble.
"There was an incident I know of where someone was shot accidentally but they didn't want to report it because they were afraid there might be implications, consequences you know in terms of immigration," Father Thelen said.
While some are happy Lansing is officially a sanctuary city. Others are worried we might be kissing our federal funding goodbye. Because President Trump says he's going to cut funding to sanctuary cities.
“This is a city that needs every dime they can get,” Senator Rick Jones (R) - Grand Ledge said, “They're very close to going bankrupt from their legacy costs."
While Father Thelen doesn't think the president can legally cut the funding, Senator Jones says it could happen.
"I think anything's possible,” Senator Jones said. “When you violate federal law, the only hammer they have is taking away funding."
Senator Jones believes declaring Lansing a sanctuary is a step too far. He's all for legal immigrants, but he's concerned it could be risky to be so accepting of illegal ones
"Opening up and saying we're just going to let everybody come in here if they're legal or not could be dangerous,” Senator Jones said. “And I really don't think it's a good move."
