Dozens of residents urge San Bernardino council to adopt sanctuary ordinance

Dozens of residents urged the San Bernardino City Council during public comment to adopt a sanctuary ordinance that would limit city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect immigrant families from deportation.

Speakers at the meeting framed the proposal as both a moral and public-safety measure. "Please pass a strong and enforceable sanctuary ordinance that ensures that no city resources or personal information will assist in federal immigration," said a speaker identified as a youth advocate, reflecting a common plea heard repeatedly at the podium.

Why it matters: Supporters said a sanctuary policy would make immigrant residents more likely to report crimes, serve as witnesses and seek emergency services, which they argued would improve public safety for everyone. They also urged the council to avoid using municipal resources…