A look at where sanctuary cities stand locally.

For decades, hundreds of cities across the country have designated themselves as “sanctuary cities” to protect undocumented residents from federal immigration laws. In Monterey County, home to the highest percentage of immigrants without papers in the state, there are no official sanctuary cities, but Salinas and others have unwritten policies for officials and police not to ask questions about immigration status.

Now that President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities, some fear the money could be on the line for any city that doesn’t cooperate.

“Since the election we’ve heard residents express fear, but it’s not our policy to knock on doors and tear apart families,” Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter says.

Even without an official policy on the books – Salinas City Council considered becoming a sanctuary city in 2010 and again in 2011 but took no action – losing federal funds would have “dramatic effects,” Gunter says, noting 20 Salinas firefighter positions are federally funded, as well as millions of dollars for roads and housing. “We will do whatever actions necessary to protect our residents,” Gunter says, and adds there would be a serious discussion about foregoing federal funds if it came to that.

Greenfield has taken an opposite approach. For 15 years it was the only sanctuary city in Monterey County, but in April, City Council voted 5-0 to rescind the 2001 resolution and replace it with a new resolution saying the city would cooperate with federal authorities.

Greenfield Mayor John Huerta says the decision had nothing to do with then-candidate Trump, but federal funding was a key factor. The new resolution cites the failed Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act of 2011 that could have stripped sanctuary cities of money from Washington.

“It was something we had to do if there was any threat of losing federal money for police,” Huerta says.