FRESNO (KMJ) — Fresno City Council will debate the creation of a legal defense fund for illegal immigrants facing deportation proceedings.
It came after hours of public comment within the council chamber Wednesday morning (click here to read more), after which proponents of it cheered as it was confirmed the motion will be heard during the City of Fresno’s budget hearings next week.
Supporters want $200,000 of public money set aside to help undocumented individuals legally defend themselves during federal removal efforts. That money would have additional funds added to it from private individuals, local businesses, philanthropic foundations, and other government entities.
“It’s been a difficult issue to mull over,” revealed Councilmember Esmeralda Soria. “I know it’s the right thing to do, and I think that $200,000 is a modest investment but a very important investment.
“It does send a message to our immigrant community which we all know is the backbone of our local economy. Regardless of status, we have documented and undocumented.”
Soria adds that justice does not have a price when talking about a legal defense fund.
“It is an imperative moral that we take action and stand up for what is right. We need to stand up for communities that don’t have a voice.”
Of the seven Councilmembers, KMJ News has Oliver Baines is also in support of directing city money towards a legal defense fund; however Steve Brandau and Garry Bredefeld are against it.
The motion is scheduled to be heard during the budget hearings on Tuesday June 20th.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
