Springfield City Council is passing an ordinance preventing city employees from interfering with a church that is providing sanctuary efforts.
The council voted unanimously on Monday to pass the rule in light of South Congregational Church's welcoming of a Peruvian woman who is avoiding deportation.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno ordered city inspectors to check the church for code violations and a review of its tax-exempt status.
An inspection was carried out late last week before the council could vote, with only minor violations reported.