Strickland: Memphis remains 'a welcoming city'

President-elect Donald Trump may deport two to three million undocumented immigrants, but not with the help of Memphis Police, Mayor Jim Strickland said Friday.

“The Memphis Police Department is not in the business of enforcing federal immigration policy, nor do we believe that is MPD’s function or mission," Strickland said in a statement. "It’s not something that we do, and it’s not something we intend to do.”

Strickland released the statement in response to a reporter's question as Memphians and millions of Americans wonder what a Trump administration will mean for immigrants, minorities, women, gay, lesbian and transgender people and others.

“Memphis is a welcoming city that values diversity and each and every one of our citizens," said Strickland, a longtime Democrat. "And it will continue to be that way.”

After Trump's unexpected victory in the Nov. 8 elections over Hillary Clinton, fears of Trump policies prompted protests around the country, including in Memphis. Trump has fueled those fears with his cabinet appointments, and with his comments in a recent interview on CBS' 60 Minutes that he would target criminals for deportation before law-abiding families illegally in the country.

Yes, Trump will have broad power to crack down on immigration

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has also tried to reassure citizens, and previously said she also doesn't believe local law enforcement should enforce federal immigration rules.

The Metro Nashville Council next month will take up a post-election inspired resolution that proclaims Nashville “will continue to welcome and to afford equal justice to all residents and visitors regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected status.”

The Tennessean reporter Joey Garrison contributed to this story.