Cullman City Council Passes Resolution Opposing Federal Immigration Policies, Backs State Enforcement

The Cullman City Council passed a resolution Monday evening opposing federal immigration enforcement policies and affirming the city's commitment to cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that drew both enthusiastic support from residents and vocal opposition from advocacy groups.

The resolution, passed 4-1 after a contentious two-hour public hearing at Cullman City Hall, directs the Cullman Police Department to honor all ICE detainer requests, prohibits the use of city resources to impede federal immigration enforcement, and formally supports Alabama's 2011 anti-sanctuary city law (HB 56).

A Statement of Values

Cullman, the county seat of Cullman County in north Alabama with a population of approximately 18,000, has historically been a politically conservative community. The resolution's sponsor, Councilman Johnny Cook, said the measure was about making the city's values clear.

"This resolution is a statement," Cook said. "It says that Cullman stands for the rule of law. It says that we support our law enforcement officers. And it says that we believe immigration should be legal, orderly, and safe."

The resolution cites several specific federal policies the council opposes, including the Biden-era directive limiting ICE enforcement priorities to individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety, and the practice of releasing undocumented immigrants pending immigration proceedings.

"When the federal government refuses to enforce its own immigration laws, communities like Cullman bear the consequences," Cook said. "We're seeing increased crime, strained public services, and the erosion of public trust. This resolution says, 'Enough.'"

Supporting Local Law Enforcement

Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta expressed support for the resolution, noting that his department already cooperates with ICE on a case-by-case basis. "We've always worked with ICE when they ask for our help," Nassetta said. "This resolution formalizes that cooperation and makes it clear that we won't be a sanctuary city."

Nassetta emphasized that the resolution does not authorize his officers to act as immigration agents. "We're not going to be pulling people over and asking for their immigration status," he said. "But if ICE places a detainer on someone we've arrested for a crime, we'll honor it. That's not radical. That's common sense."

The resolution also directs the police department to participate in the federal 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement officers to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions. Cullman would be the first city in north Alabama to participate in the program.

Public Hearing Draws Large Crowd

The public hearing drew approximately 250 people to Cullman City Hall, with overflow seating set up in the lobby and hallway. Of the 28 speakers who addressed the council, 20 spoke in favor of the resolution.

Cullman resident and Army veteran James Collier told the council that the resolution was about national security. "My family came to this country legally. They followed the rules. They waited their turn," Collier said. "When people break the law to come here, it's not fair to the people who do it right, and it's not safe for the people who already live here."

Local business owner Maria Fernandez, who emigrated from Mexico and became a U.S. citizen in 2015, also spoke in favor. "I love this country. I came here the right way," Fernandez said. "But when the border is wide open, it makes it harder for everyone — including those of us who did it legally. We need order. We need security."

Eight speakers opposed the resolution, arguing that it could foster discrimination and make immigrant communities afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police.

"This resolution doesn't make Cullman safer," said Cullman resident Olivia Reyes. "It makes our immigrant neighbors afraid. If someone is afraid to call the police because they might be deported, they won't report crimes. That makes all of us less safe."

Councilwoman Garlyn Gosa, the sole dissenting vote, echoed that concern. "I support legal immigration and I support law enforcement," Gosa said. "But I'm concerned this resolution sends a message of exclusion to members of our community who are here legally and contribute to Cullman every day."

Alabama's Strong Stance on Immigration

Alabama has been at the forefront of state-level immigration enforcement since 2011, when the legislature passed HB 56, considered at the time to be the nation's strictest state immigration law. The law requires law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally during a lawful stop, and it prohibits state and local governments from entering into contracts with businesses that knowingly employ undocumented immigrants.

While portions of HB 56 were later struck down or enjoined by federal courts, the core provision requiring cooperation with federal immigration enforcement remains in effect.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has been a vocal supporter of strict immigration enforcement, having joined multiple multi-state lawsuits challenging federal immigration policies. In a statement released after the Cullman vote, Marshall praised the city's decision.

"Cullman is setting an example for communities across Alabama," Marshall said. "When the federal government abdicates its responsibility to enforce immigration law, local communities must step up. Cullman is doing exactly that."

What Happens Next

The resolution takes effect immediately. Chief Nassetta said his department will begin the process of applying for the 287(g) program, which requires ICE training and certification for participating officers.

"We're going to do this the right way," Nassetta said. "We're going to follow the law, we're going to protect this community, and we're going to cooperate with our federal partners. That's what the people of Cullman expect, and that's what we're going to deliver."

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama issued a statement condemning the resolution and threatening legal action if its implementation results in civil rights violations.

"We will be watching closely," said ACLU of Alabama Executive Director JaTaune Bosby. "If this policy leads to racial profiling or constitutional violations, we will not hesitate to take legal action to protect the rights of all Cullman residents."