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Why do we need a Safe and Welcoming Ordinance in Wyandotte?

As many as 30,000 people in Wyandotte County - 1 in 5 people who live in the county - may have difficulty accessing a government-issued photo ID (foster kids, immigrants, the formerly incarcerated, people without housing, victims of domestic violence, and the elderly). 
In addition, this ordinance supports local law enforcement in focusing on community safety needs, instead of being diverted into enforcing federal immigration enforcement.

 

Coordinating with ICE’s activities - which have frequently been found to be illegal and unconstitutional - can make law enforcement vulnerable to complaints and lawsuits. An ICE non-compliance ordinance clearly and helpfully defines the parameters of those interactions.

“The Safe and Welcoming Wyandotte Ordinance aligns perfectly with our work to bring civic engagement and education to every quarter of our community... ensuring that our diverse population can access resources, build local businesses, and cooperate with law enforcement. Wyandotte can truly become the welcoming home to people of all backgrounds.”

—Indivisible KC

Why should Wyandotte pass the Safe and Welcoming Ordinance? 

By passing the Safe and Welcoming ordinance, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County can help expand access for residents, assure residents that their private information will not be shared with a federal agency, and ensure that they will not suffer intimidation in their own county and homes.

A broad-based coalition has called on the Unified Government to act now to make Wyandotte County a safer and more welcoming place.  Read the letter signed by the coalition and the additional supporters of a municipal ID ordinance urging the Mayor and Commissioners to act below.

“The educators of NEA-KCK support the municipal ID initiative because we know firsthand how important it is for our students and their parents to be able to access services necessary to be successful in school and their daily lives. This connection to community strengthens bonds between staff and students and promotes high academic achievement.”

—NEA-KCK-Teachers Union

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