Gun sanctuary proposal sees lack of support ahead of Thursday vote

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Gun rights advocates are hoping to get Berrien County to take a stand against enforcing federal laws, but even close to home that proposal sees a lack of support.

The 12-member county Board of Commissioners is set to vote on a resolution at 10:30 Thursday morning.

Up to a dozen counties in Michigan have already proposed this measure to not enforce federal gun laws.

It’s gained momentum across the country in light of immigration sanctuary bills in recent years.

Supporters of the resolution have been hoping Berrien County could be the first gun sanctuary in Michiana.

A recently-launched Facebook group advocating for more counties in Michigan to adopt the ‘sanctuary’ policy already has over 90-thousand members, claiming to be from almost every county.

But Roy Daugherty, owner of Benton Harbor’s Point Blank Shooting Range, said not even local gun groups have come to him voicing support for the resolution.

“(The current laws) have been working pretty well in Berrien County, at least,” Daugherty said.

“Even from other gun clubs I haven’t heard a word that it’s been hurting them any at all.”

Thursday’s vote will be at Berrien County Administration Building in Saint Joseph.