In York, Pennsylvania, a bill intended to protect immigrants and refugees will not become law after the City Council failed to override Mayor Michael Helfrich's veto on Tuesday (January 7). The vote was 3-2, falling short of the four votes needed for an override.
The proposed ordinance, known as the "York Trust Act," aimed to prevent city employees, including police, from asking about or sharing residents' immigration status with federal authorities. Mayor Helfrich vetoed the bill, expressing concerns that it could jeopardize the city's federal funding. He cited the incoming Trump administration's threats to cut funding to sanctuary cities as a significant risk.
Council members Elizabeth Bupp and Teresa Johnescu voted to uphold the veto, while Dr. Felicia Dennis, Betsy Buckingham, and Edquina Washington voted against it. Johnescu emphasized that York remains a welcoming city and that the veto is not anti-immigrant. However, she noted that the city's solicitor advised that the ordinance could indeed threaten federal funding, contradicting assurances from the advocacy group CASA.
CASA, which has advocated for similar laws across Pennsylvania, expressed disappointment in the decision. Mirna Gonzalez, CASA's Pennsylvania organizing director, stated, "The failure of the Mayor and two councilmembers to support the TRUST Act is profoundly shortsighted and a devastating blow to York’s immigrant families."
City Council President Edquina Washington, who introduced the ordinance, vowed to continue advocating for immigrant protections, stating that "no amount of money is worth the freedom and safety of our residents here in the City of York."
The debate over the ordinance reflects broader national tensions regarding immigration policies and sanctuary cities.