Mississippi governor approves outlawing of sanctuary cities

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has signed a law banning sanctuary cities and other policies that might help people who have entered the country illegally.

Bryant is a longtime critic of illegal entry by immigrants. He cited President Donald Trump’s executive order banning sanctuary cities when he signed the law Monday.

Since Trump’s order, some states added protections for immigrants, while others moved to limit such communities.

The Mississippi bill says cities, state agencies and public colleges in Mississippi can’t prevent employees from asking about someone’s immigration status. These public agencies also can’t give aid to people who entered the country without permission, such as by issuing an identification card.

Immigrant advocates and some religious groups argued against the measure.