After extensive discussion the last two weeks, the Urbana City Council has approved a resolution reaffirming its ‘sanctuary city’ status. The 5-to-1 vote was met with sustained applause from roughly 50 people who filled the council chambers Monday night. The measure saw changes from the prior week, including language specifying that no city employee can request information about someone's citizenship unless required by court order.

The Urbana City Council will continue its discussion of a resolution affirming its status as a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants at next regular meeting on Monday, December 19th. But the talk at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday the 12th indicated a majority of council members support the resolution in some form.

Urbana aldermen will have their first opportunity Monday to consider making the community a "sanctuary city," protecting undocumented residents. Alderman Eric Jakobsson says he's behind the idea, but is opposed to the measure on the agenda for Monday night's City Council Committee of the Whole meeting, calling it "rhetoric" that doesn't address any real issues. Jakobsson says he instead favors an earlier draft resolution put together by a member of the city staff.