Statement to Present to Marion City Council

Statement to be Approved by the Marion Mayor and City Council February 2025

At the base of the Statue of Liberty, a verse from our national hymnal warmly welcomes immigrants through America’s golden door. This powerful message reflects a core value that has long been integral to our nation’s greatness, and it is a value that we, the Mayor and City Council of Marion, believe must continue.

As local governments across the nation adjust to a shifting legal landscape, we reaffirm our belief in the vital role immigrants play in our community and recognize the many contributions they have made to the fabric of Marion. We are aware of recent changes in immigration policy and enforcement, and we share in the concerns and anxieties that some of our neighbors may be feeling during these uncertain times.

The Marion Police Department (MPD) is fully committed to protecting and serving every member of our community. Our enforcement decisions are based on individual actions, not on immigration status. It is not the policy of MPD to inquire about immigration status. Furthermore, our officers do not receive training in immigration-related law enforcement, nor does this type of enforcement fall within the scope of authority granted to us by the State of North Carolina.

Immigration-related offenses, whether civil or criminal, are handled by federal and state agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the enforcement branches of state government. MPD’s role is to ensure public safety and adhere to the principles of constitutional policing. When MPD takes individuals into custody for criminal behavior, their immigration status is not a factor, and it is not relevant to our investigations. We do not make arrests or enforcement decisions based on a person's immigration status.

The City of Marion wants to make it clear: we are here to support everyone in our community. No one should feel afraid to seek help from city officials, staff, or law enforcement officers when assistance is needed. Our schools provide equal access to education to all students regardless of immigration status and maintaining a place where each and every student feels safe and secure is always our number one priority. We are committed to doing everything within our power to help and ensure that Marion remains a safe, welcoming place for all residents.