ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Sanctuary policies have become a hot-button topic after recent ICE raids across the country, including Tompkins County. At a Common Council meeting on Wednesday night, the city of Ithaca reaffirmed its sanctuary status and now, local politicians are speaking out.

Ithaca first established sanctuary city status in 2017. Officials and residents sought the need to reaffirm that status after the Trump Administration's efforts to crackdown on illegal immigration and place pressure on sanctuary cities.

On Friday afternoon, residents and local elected officials gathered in the Ithaca Commons for a Rally for Hope and Justice to make their voices heard.

"Given the climate of the federal level and some of the actions the administration is undertaking, I think it was really important to remind our community what are the values that we stand for," said Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo. "And just because there has been a change in Washington, does not mean that there will be a change locally."

Dozens of people from the area came with signs and words of protest to the Bernie Milton Pavilion in the Commons. Attendees were able to hear from local leaders such as Mayor Cantelmo, New York state Assemblymember Anna Kelles, and representatives from regional political action groups.

The Rally for Hope and Justice was sponsored by NY19 Votes/Indivisible and the Tompkins County Democratic Committee.

"The world is a dangerous and scary place," said Martha Robertson, a former Tompkins County legislator and a volunteer with the Tompkins County Democratic Committee. "People come here for a better life and that's what our grandparents and great-grandparents did."

While the city is protected under reaffirmed sanctuary policies, federal officials have recently clashed with the city, Tompkins County, and the Sheriff's Office after federal agents said they arrested an alleged illegal immigrant who was previously deported and came back. The U.S. Attorney's Office accused the Sheriff of refusing to honor ICE's arrest warrant.

Just last week, Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY23) visited Elmira and spoke about the ongoing crackdown, the lack of cooperation from some local governments, and sanctuary policies in the area.

"They need to be illegal and we're going to look into ways federally to prevent these sanctuary policies from existing because no one in the state of New York has ever voted for a provision to not enforce federal laws here in New York State," said Representative Nick Langworthy.

On the flip side, protestors say that federal enforcement against sanctuary policies is a looming threat in cities like Ithaca. However, Mayor Cantelmo adds that the city will continue to adhere to those sanctuary policies and stand up for its values.

"We have the ability to say hey, you can enforce your federal policy however you wish, but we are under no obligation to assist you in doing that," said Mayor Cantelmo. "We, of course, will comply with all lawful rules and have no interest in interfering with federal investigations, but it's not our values to try and discriminate against members of our community who may be here without the proper documentation."

At this time, it's unclear how President Trump's policies on immigration, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, and more will impact sanctuary cities across the country like Ithaca.

On January 23, the National Immigration Law Center shared an article discussing how Congress is soon expected to consider the “No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities” Act. Essentially, the article states that cities will have to aid federal officials in facilitating mass deportations or potentially lose federal funding for a variety of things such as, "health, education, transportation, domestic violence response, and other funding."

When asked by WENY News about the potential loss of federal funding, Mayor Cantelmo said, "Despite what the administration may want, we still have rule of law, and a wide-reaching and broad attack on federal funding on the basis of sanctuary status in my view is not supported by the law. We will see that probably play out in the courts, but I think it's really important to remind folks that just because the administration is going to attempt to do something doesn't mean it's legal. It doesn't mean it will stab. I think that's part of the strategy."

One speaker at the rally added that the city will not stop its fight to make Ithaca a home for everyone.

Below is a copy of the recently reaffirmed resolution for Ithaca's sanctuary city status.