In the wake of President Trump’s temporary immigration ban pertaining to seven Muslim-majority countries, Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler issued a statement on Feb. 1 assuring the community of Issaquah’s positive stance towards immigrants.

“I want to reassure our community that nothing has changed here in Issaquah. Our community, as always, is welcoming of all people,” Butler stated. “As your city government, we welcome all people and ideas, with the belief that we are smarter and stronger when we join together.”

The executive order, signed Jan. 27 by Trump, bars citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia from American soil, whether they intend to immigrate to or just visit the U.S.

Butler told residents in his message that local law enforcement would continue to treat every person with equality.

“Similar to several sanctuary cities throughout our region and nation, Issaquah has always provided services and enforced the law equally, fairly and without discrimination toward any individual or group — regardless of immigration status,” Butler said. “Importantly, our Issaquah Police Department is committed to providing law enforcement services to the community without regard for racial, cultural or other differences.

Butler also asked that anyone who feels unsafe or who has witnessed “harassment or hate crimes in our community” to call 911 right away.

“We will always be a community that embraces diversity and welcomes all viewpoints,” he said.

At the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce’s first luncheon of the year on Jan. 11, Issaquah School District Superintendent Ron Thiele noted that 45 percent of the school district is made up of racial minorities.

“We are becoming increasingly diverse as a community and that is wonderful,” he said.