President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policy of cutting funding for sanctuary cities is hitting home with the immigrant community in New Haven.
Father James Manship is the pastor at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in the Fair Haven section of the Elm City.
"One can feel the anxiousness and the fear in the community, both here in the parish and in the neighborhood," he told NBC Connecticut Friday afternoon.
Most of the parishioners who worship in his church are immigrant families worried about President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises on immigration, Manship said.
Often citing the murder of Kate Steinle in San Francisco by an undocumented immigrant released by police, Trump has pledged to cut federal funding for sanctuary cities like New Haven.
These cities, which include New York and Los Angeles, have policies for police to target undocumented immigrants nor turn them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"We are a community that values everyone," New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said.
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The mayor offered these words of reassurance to the Elm City’s immigrant population when asked about Trump’s threat to slash funding for sanctuary cities.
"We see them as part of very vibrant community," she said of immigrant families, "That our policies have not changed and will not change and we don’t want them to be afraid here in New Haven. Please don’t be afraid to send your kids to school."
Newly re-elected Sen. Richard Blumenthal said fixing a broken immigration system requires bi-partisan congressional action.
"What’s needed is fundamental, far-reaching immigration reform that will enable the 11 million people who are in the shadows now to come out and have a path to earn citizenship," Blumenthal said.
The idea of splitting up families through deportations to maintain federal funding for things like schools and construction projects does not sit well with Father Manship.
"It’s not just about money," he said. "But it’s about tearing apart the fabric of the community."
If Trump follows through on this campaign promise, New Haven would not be the only affected city in the state. Hartford, Bridgeport and Stamford are also sanctuary cities.
