By Pedro Rios

Cities and counties around the country are taking the audacious step of declaring their municipal governments sanctuaries to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants and refugees who reside within their jurisdictions. The bold declarations are necessary and responsible actions that respond to the uncertainty of increased threats by President Donald Trump about targeting immigrants and refugees for mass deportation. But really, sanctuary cities are an extension of the obligation that elected officials have of ensuring the safety and well-being of their constituents.

A call for sanctuary by municipal governments, which follows in the historic tradition of faith communities, is audacious because it builds a moral and prophetic witness against xenophobic policies that would otherwise undermine the safety of the most vulnerable in our communities.

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