I am writing to urge you to join me in asking our elected officials to declare San Juan County a sanctuary area. Cities across the country have already done this, including Seattle, Santa Fe and Los Angeles. By doing so, we say no to the deportation of immigrants as planned by the new administration.

In sanctuary cities, public employees do not ask residents their immigration status and will not help apprehend undocumented immigrants unless they are suspected of a serious crime. The people in danger of being torn from their homes and communities are our friends, neighbors and our children’s classmates.

Please tell our county council members, we will not be a part of the racism, bigotry and meanness that Trump is trying to spread. Let us choose empathy,respect and inclusiveness instead.

Chris Carter

Lopez Island