As an alarming trend of homicides and violent crime continues, with 11 murders to date versus seven at this point last year, the deadliest year on record for the city, so is Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin's national book tour interviews.
On Sunday, Woodfin was interviewed by Reverend Al Sharpton on MSNBC. During that interview, Sharpton spoke about Trump's efforts deportation efforts.
When specifically asked about the City of Birmingham's working relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Woodfin said that the partnership focused on human trafficking. He stressed that the city's contract includes an exception for what Woodfin described as, "[O]ur contract does not participate in any administrative dealings as it relates to immigration status, with DHS. We're very clear about that."
He went on to say it was important that the city continue to be a "welcoming city," adding, "[O]ur doors are open to those who are law-abiding. Our doors are open to those who want opportunity, and our city is open to those who want to take care of their family."
Immediately following his comments, he promoted his book, which he described as a "Love Letter to Birmingham."
This is the second time since President Donald Trump was sworn in that Woodfin has addressed the city's "welcoming city" policy.
In an interview with CNN last week, Woodfin spoke about the "Alabama-fication" of the nation.
Woodfin started his interview with a hefty dose of hypocrisy. A week after residents began noticing he was blocking anyone who disagreed with him on social media, he said, "There's a honest expectation from our leaders that it's okay for us to disagree and that retaliation should not be a part of the conversation."
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
