Oakland to Become Sanctuary for Illegal Immigrants

OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) -- Oakland city officials have announced they will no longer cooperate with federal officials conducting raids to capture illegal immigrants.

The chief of police, the mayor and city council members gathered this afternoon to announce that Oakland is now a "city of refuge" which means illegal immigrants will find sanctuary in the city.

KCBS reporter Margie Shafer says the city will no longer cooperate with any investigation, detention or arrests of illegal residents.

"This will give us an opportunity to stand in front of our community with absolute unity that in this Oakland, in this place, in this vision, there is no room for intimidation, abuse, manipulation or exploitation," said Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums.

The move follows a series of raids in the city by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

"Within the law, don't cooperate or assist" the federal immigration officials urged City Council President Ignacio de la Fuente. "Especially when in my view, they are attacking our vibrant community, our community of color."