Wayne County leader backs away from "sanctuary" label

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said "No" when I asked him whether Wayne considers itself a sanctuary county for undocumented immigrations.

Wayne County executive Warren Evans said Thursday he does not consider the county a “sanctuary” place for undocumented immigrants.

Despite news articles and advocacy organizations including Wayne County in local and national lists of so-called “sanctuary” places, the county’s leader and sheriff’s office argue it is not.

The difference between "sanctuary city" and "welcoming city" has muddled as Republicans vow to punish states, counties and cities. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has been proactive in distancing the city from the sanctuary label.

Michigan Republicans introduced legislation last year that would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting policies that prevent local employees from communicating or cooperating with federal immigration officials. The bills would have to be reintroduced this term, then be approved by the Democratic controlled Senate and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

There are major policy differences that separate the two terms, according to immigration advocates. Detroit police cooperate with federal immigration officials when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issue a detainer, but officers do not ask for immigration status during traffic stops.

Detroit’s policy banning profiling of residents would put it in the category of what’s considered a “welcoming city.”

Sanctuary places, like Chicago, prevent law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration officers entirely.