Cook County Board Committee Passes Sanctuary Ordinance CHICAGO (WBBM) -- A Cook County Board committee has narrowly passed a proposal to make the county a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.
WBBM's Steve Miller reports.
The vote was 3 to 2 in committee - on a move to make Cook County a safe space for undocumented immigrants.
Even the sponsor, Commissioner Roberto Maldonado, called it symbolic, because nothing would stop federal agents from making immigration raids.
"And it is symbolic to tell the people of Cook County who happen to be undocumented that, look, we recognize that we are a county of immigrants."
Commissioner Tony Peraica voted against the resolution. He says the County Board has no jurisdiction.
"And I believe this particular issue would create a false sense of hope in people's minds that they can, in fact, continue to stay in an illegal capacity with impunity."
The resolution also forbids county employees from asking people about their immigration status.
The resolution still has to go to the full board.