Mitchell: New Bedford Not a Sanctuary City

Many cities around the country are coming under scrutiny for being so-called “sanctuary cities.”

During his weekly appearance on WBSM, a caller directly questioned Mayor Jon Mitchell as to whether or not New Bedford is a sanctuary city.

Mitchell said it’s his understanding that being a sanctuary city would mean that city law enforcement would be forbidden from sharing information with immigration officials. He said that’s not something he wants to see happen in New Bedford.

“We haven’t declared ourselves to be a sanctuary city, whatever that means for folks,” Mitchell said. “Because I don’t think it’s good policy to forbid law enforcement officers from sharing information with one another.”

Mitchell, a former federal prosecutor, said the different agencies of law enforcement need to work together to best combat illegal activity.