The Pine Bluff City Council was scheduled to have the first reading Monday night of a resolution that would have declared the city a welcoming place for all, even undocumented immigrants, but perhaps not so welcoming that it would run afoul of a new state anti-sanctuary city law.

UPDATE: KTHV reports that the sponsor pulled down his resolution last night. It drew opposition from several speakers at the meeting.

Advertisement

“I was asked, and I’ve done it,” [Steven] Mays said afterward. “I don’t have any regrets. I love Pine Bluff, and whatever makes Pine Bluff be restored and renewed, I’m all for it.”

The Pine Bluff Commercial had reported on Council member Steven Mays‘ resolution to declare Pine Bluff a “safe and friendly environs” city. It said “all residents of the community should be free of the fear of being ripped from their homes and returned to hostile and potentially deadly environments.”

The measure would prohibit city employees, including law officers, from asking about residency status unless required by state law. Residency couldn’t be a factor in city employment unless required by law, and the mayor would name a liaison to reach out to all residents.

Advertisement

Mays told KARK that the measure was a good-faith gesture to welcome people regardless of origin. Another alderman said it might help with Pine Bluff’s declining population.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed an anti-sanctuary city bill in April. It allows the blocking of state money to cities that prevent law officers from asking about citizenship. The resolution seemed to have been crafted to get around this, but the state ban is stiff. Hutchinson signed the bill despite saying he wished it included a provision that law officers had to have probable cause before questioning someone about residency, so as to avoid profiling. Hutchinson claimed sponsors would rectify that at a future legislative session.

Advertisement

Outlook was cloudy from the beginning for this Pine Bluff measure. But, at least with a couple of aldermen, Pine Bluff seemed to qualify for its old motto, a “city who loves people.” All people.

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article State Board’s new plan to stifle free speech Next article Profiles in courage: Centrist Democrats endorse impeachment