HOPEWELL BOROUGH -- Hopewell Borough has declared itself a "sanctuary city," vowing to be a welcoming community that protects immigrants regardless of their legal status.

The Feb. 2 vote came a week after President Trump signed an executive order threatening to withhold federal funding from communities with sanctuary policies.

The vote was split 3-3, with Mayor Paul Anzano breaking the tie.

While there is no formal definition of the term "sanctuary city," it generally refers to places that offer local protections to immigrants living in the country illegally.

The resolution says the borough will not use taxpayer money to aid federal immigration officials in deportations and bars employees and police from asking residents about their immigration status.

"Here in Hopewell Borough, we are changing nothing," Anzano said in a message posted to the borough's website. "We are simply saying that all those that live here or work here -- drive through here or visit friends here -- are welcome, documented or not.

"If undocumented persons do commit crimes as defined by law enforcement or do pose a public threat, then we act in the same pre-Sanctuary City manner and they are responsibly reported to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency," he continued.

The borough is also encouraging businesses, groups, organizations and houses of worship to "share in the spirit of inclusivity" by offering immigrants and refugees help or a safe haven.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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