Friday Jan. 27, President Trump signed an Executive Order that barred entry from all travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries: Iraq, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Syria; Somalia and Sudan. The restrictions’ measures were broad, including permanent residents, travelers who have already attained legal immigration status, an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees and non-American dual citizens of those countries.

Members of the New Orleans Palestine Solidarity Committee, alongside opponents of the Executive Order, gathered at New Orleans City Hall at noon Monday, Jan. 30. They declared a list of demands to local, state, and federal government to make New Orleans more of a sanctuary city.

NOPSC organizer, Saira Mehmood, called on city officials to refuse the increased cooperation with the federal government that would enlist city, parish and state law enforcement forces in Trump’s immigration crackdown.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landieu responded to Trump’s Executive Order via press release statement Jan. 30.

“Protecting America must always be our top priority, but the President’s Executive Order is un-American, un-Christian and will not make us safer,” Landrieu said.

Landrieu’s statement assures that New Orleans will remain a “welcoming city because [New Orleanians] know that our diversity is a strength. [New Orleanians] also know all too well what it feels like to seek shelter and refuge in a place that is not your home.”