The mayor of California's National City, a small town just a few kilometres from the Mexican border, has declared his town a 'sanctuary' for illegal immigrants.
Mayor Nick Inzunza made the proclamation on Saturday at City Hall as a few hundred supporters rallied on the pavement, said police Lieutenant Lanny Roark.
Backers were met by a smaller group of anti-illegal immigration protesters, including members of the Minutemen civilian border patrol group, Lieutenant Roark said. The rallies were 'loud and tumultuous' but peaceful, he added. There were no arrests.
As a result of the declaration, city funds will not be used to enforce federal immigration laws. The city already practises the policy, but Mr Inzunza said he wanted to underscore that fact.
'The mayor is sending the message that migrants are welcome in the city, which is one of the most diverse in San Diego county,' said Enrique Morones a spokesman for the group Border Angels, who advocated for the proclamation.Associated Press
