By WMBD-TV
EUREKA – After several people made their voices heard, the Woodford County Board voted unanimously to table a decision to become a non-sanctuary county.
Nearly 20 people spoke, most of whom against against the proposed resolution which would have made Woodford County a non-sanctuary county. That would have not allowed tax-payer-funded services to illegal immigrants or asylum seekers if there was an influx into the county.
The main issues that were raised by those against it were that it was “poorly worded” and that immigrants are needed in Woodford County. Those who spoke for the resolution brought up their worries that it would prioritize illegal immigrants over county residents.
There was some hostility in the crowd for those that expressed their support for the resolution, with one man calling a supporter a “fascist.”
County Board member David Meinhold proposed the decision be tabled as he said that there should be more discussions as a county before proceeding.
Hillary Wasson, a psychotherapist from Woodford County who practices in Peoria, stated why she spoke out against the resolution.
“We wanted more time to be able to do this mindfully and by doing research and using evidence about what this problem is and is not. To be able to use language in the resolution, should it come to be again, that includes non-divisive language, evidence, resources, things like that,” she said.
The issue of making counties “non-sanctuary status” has become a forefront debate recently, with McLean, Marshall and other counties proposing resolutions that have been either tabled or voted down.
WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].
