By Andrew Firestone

Curtatone took a tough stand last Saturday by refusing to cooperate with some state and federal initiatives to crack down on immigrants. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

Police in Somerville will not require residents to show proof of citizenship or immigration documentation during routine stops in the city, said Mayor Joe Curtatone last week.

Curtatone took a tough stand last Saturday via an official proclamation of the city’s continued support of all peaceable immigrants by refusing to cooperate with some state and federal initiatives to crack down on immigrants.

“Be it proclaimed,” said Curtatone, “that the City of Somerville police will not require residents to show proof of citizenship or immigration papers during routine police business, nor will Somerville police assume the role of federal authorities in terms of immigration enforcement.”

The proclamation was addressed in front of a diverse cross-section of representatives from immigrant and business communities in Somerville. Curtatone also said he would urge state authorities to not process fingerprints with federal databases, as “such a program would undermine the ability of local police to build trust with the city’s immigrant population and effectively protect the neighborhoods where those immigrants live.”

Curtatone’s admission creates for the first time since the early 1990s an official pro-immigrant stance in Somerville.

During the ceremony of proclamation, several Somerville business owners of foreign nationality were invited to stand and be recognized. Curtatone said these entrepreneurs help “form the backbone of our local economy.” “Our local economy and tax base absolutely relies on our immigrant population,” he said. Among the business owners present were Bill Galatis, Francisco Sa, and Jimmy Cardoso. “Somerville is just as much my home town as the town I live in,” said Cardoso, “because of course I spend more time here.”

~Photo by Andrew Firestone

Also in attendance were students who, under the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), intend to earn permanent residency upon completion of two years at a higher institution or military service. Chaudeline Francois and Tommy Cachimuel, both students at Somerville High, spoke about their experience “This is one first step we’re taking, and I hope there are many more to come,” Cachimuel said.

State Representative Denise Provost, also in attendance, was less than sure about the ability for local law enforcement to curtail federal efforts to enforce immigration laws locally.

“I’m sure Somerville will do whatever it can to protect its immigrant community within the bounds of the law,” said Provost, while noting that the “poorly drafted and ambiguous” act might force Somerville to obey its code depending on official interpretation.

The reaction for those immigrants in attendance was joyous. “It makes us feel more at home,” said Anthony Soto, the child of Dominican parents. Older immigrants, wary of new policy, had a triumphant, but cautious eye. “I came here in the ‘60s and we were looked down on,” said Delio Susi, owner of Amelia’s Kitchen. “If you’re going to go harass people, I don’t like it.”