Morris sheriff to speak against sanctuary cities, March 28; immigrant advocates plan counter-vigil

sanctuary speech james gannon poster
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Where do you stand on the issue of sanctuary cities?

Both sides should be on view Tuesday at the Morris County Library, where Sheriff James Gannon is scheduled to reiterate his intention to enforce federal immigration policy.

Greater Morristown clergy and immigrant advocacy groups plan to be there, too, to voice support for Fair and Welcoming Communities, New Jersey’s version of sanctuary cities.

The March 28, 2017, program starts at 6:30 pm at 30 Hanover Ave. in Whippany.

Sheriff Gannon will be joined by Jim Agresti, president of a Chatham-based nonprofit called Just Facts.

Just Facts describes itself as a conservative/libertarian organization established online 20 years ago. According to the website, Agresti is a Brown-educated mechanical engineer who has authored a book making a factual case for the Bible.

He will “challenge the narrative that illegal immigrants are more law-abiding than American citizens,” according to a flyer for the event, which coincides with the monthly meeting of the Morris County Tea Party.

Unitarian and Methodist ministers will join the Morristown-based Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center in a vigil “challenging … white supremacist rhetoric and nativist hate speech” and demanding protection from rising hate crimes, said Karol Ruiz, attorney for Wind of the Spirit.

'No hate, no fear' rally at Morristown town hall, March 18, 2017. Photo by Bill Lescohier
‘No hate, no fear’ rally at Morristown town hall, March 18, 2017. Photo by Bill Lescohier

On Monday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions appeared at the White House to remind sanctuary cities that they risk losing billions in federal grants if they don’t comply with federal immigration detention requests.

Madison has proclaimed itself a “Fair and Welcoming” community, and Morristown is studying the question. Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Police Chief Pete Demnitz have expressed opposition to 287(g), a federal policy to deputize police as immigration officers.

A “No Hate, No Fear” march drew hundreds to Morristown earlier this month.

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. Yep! Glad they will be outside protesting these two crypto fascist nut jobs!
    You’re out next Gannon! Stick to eviction notices and stray dogs!

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