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Ordinance Protects Undocumented Immigrants From Unfair Deportation

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago City Council has given final approval to an ordinance protecting undocumented immigrants from being unfairly detained or deported.

As WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, the so-called Welcoming City Ordinance will protect undocumented immigrants from being held for immigration authorities, unless they have been convicted of a serious crime or are being sought on a criminal warrant.

Rogers Park Ald. Joe Moore (49th), the sponsor of the ordinance, says the aim is so that immigrants will not be afraid to report crimes if they see one occur or know of one.

"It sends a strong message. It codifies what's been part of city policy and executive order for some time, that if you go to the police; if you have an encounter with the Chicago Police Department, you don't have to fear that you are going to be turned over to the federal immigration authorities," Moore said.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said his goal is to make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in America.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports

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