Candidates back sanctuary policy and local services; some seek clearer noncooperation with ICE

Local candidates at a Ward 1 and Ward 5 forum generally said immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and urged the city to protect immigrant residents through policy and services.

Why it matters: Salem’s immigrant residents raised questions about safety, access to services and cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.

Several candidates explicitly supported the city’s sanctuary city ordinance. Ward 5 candidate Zachary Calderon said the 2017 ordinance restricted local staff from asking about immigration status and advocated an amendment to add language to prohibit turning documentation over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Multiple candidates, including Lydia King and Walter Morrell, said they would oppose local cooperation with ICE and would support steps to help immigrants access services.

Candidates proposed creating a municipal immigration services office similar to Boston’s, staffed with professionals able to help residents with immigration processes. Lydia King said trained city resources would be useful because federal rules and procedures change frequently. Other recommendations included “know your rights” training, distributing emergency contact information and stronger public statements by local officials in support of immigrant families.

No legislative votes or ordinances were adopted at the forum. Candidates urged city leaders to consider ordinances that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and to invest in local services and outreach for immigrant residents.