Ithaca council reaffirms sanctuary policies after federal enforcement action; residents press for clearer protections

Ithaca — The Ithaca Common Council on Feb. 5 unanimously reaffirmed the city’s sanctuary policies as residents filled the public-comment period to urge stronger, actionable protections after a recent federal immigration enforcement action in the city.

Mayor Cantalmo opened the meeting by describing the city’s legal stance and values. “The city of Ithaca has an unambiguously clear policy around nondiscrimination and protection for migrants, undocumented Americans, reproductive care, and gender affirming care,” he said, adding the council would reaffirm those policies that night. He framed the city as an independent government actor that “adheres to its obligations under The United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of New York, and our own laws and ordinances.”

The reaffirmation came after public comment from more than two dozen residents, students, religious leaders and service providers who described fear and disruption in their communities following the appearance of federal immigration officers in Ithaca. Speakers called on the council to back the resolution with concrete actions: training for police and city staff, clearer written policies available in multiple languages, limits on private surveillance data sharing, and stronger coordination with county agencies.

“I urge the city to reaffirm its sanctuary status. This has never been more important than it is now,” said Hannah Shvitz, who identified herself as an Ithaca resident. “We must be proactive and creative in the action that we take to keep our neighbors safe.”

Adam Hart, speaking on behalf of the Communist Party USA, said reaffirmation alone would not suffice. “All staff and police must be trained to let them know what they can and can't do when federal enforcement around these issues comes down on us,” Hart said, and urged limits on private surveillance-data retention and access.

Several speakers rooted their appeals in personal experience. Maria Lima Valdez said her parents are undocumented and described the fear families feel: “I know what it is to grow up with the fear that your parents are gonna be taken away.” Reverend Dr. David Caden, senior minister at First Congregational Church, said his congregation had provided sanctuary housing to two families and urged the council to reaffirm the policy as a moral duty.

Local educators and service providers described immediate consequences for students and patients. Catherine Sonera, president of the Ithaca Teachers Association, told the council nearly 600 teachers worry students are too frightened to attend school or to speak about their families. A registered nurse who provides reproductive and gender-affirming care said reaffirming sanctuary status “literally saves lives.”

A number of speakers noted limits to what a city government can accomplish on its own. Sophie Israelson, a paralegal at an immigration law firm, called for clearer written local policies and closer coordination with Tompkins County, noting some protections depend on county social-services and law-enforcement practices.

The council’s formal action came as part of a broader consent agenda that city leaders moved and approved that evening. The mayor also told the public the city had received a memo from the U.S. Attorney General’s office threatening to withhold federal funds from jurisdictions that impede federal law enforcement — a development the mayor said city staff and legal counsel would review.

The city’s reaffirmation maintains existing city policy language; council members and multiple speakers emphasized the next step is implementation: staff and police training, clearer public guidance in commonly spoken languages, and coordination with county agencies to reduce gaps in protection.

Public response at the meeting included plans for further civic action. Several organizers urged continued demonstrations and neighborhood-level outreach to ensure community members who cannot attend meetings are informed about rights, local resources and legal help.

The reaffirmation does not change written city ordinances; instead, it restates the council’s commitment to existing policies and signals an intent to support employees and residents who rely on city-provided services and protections.

The council voted to adopt the consent agenda that included the sanctuary reaffirmation without recorded opposition.