This article first appeared in Unity, the weekly publication of the Irish Communist Party.
Newry was a place of hatred and division earlier this September when hundreds of people took to the streets over immigration.
The council decision to put forward a motion for it to become a ‘City of Sanctuary’ which will work with individuals, groups and organisations “in every area and in every sector to encourage inclusivity, solidarity and compassion for people from a forced displacement background”.
This created demonstrations both for and against the council’s proposal to join the network.
Groups, cities and local authorities can sign up to the local network coordinated by City of Sanctuary charity to declare they are a safe space for those seeking asylum and to commit to proactively integrating asylum seekers into the local community.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council says it has not yet agreed to join the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, or to work towards formal recognition as a Council of Sanctuary “at this time”. “Council agreed at a meeting on 7 July 2025 that a report providing additional information would be brought back to a future meeting of Council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee for further consideration,” a statement said.
Hundreds also joined a counter demonstration where NIPSA and other trade union flags and posters were on display in opposition to racism.
A group known as the ‘Locals First Initiative’ organised the rally and a number of those in attendance carried tricolour flags. Earlier this year a march took place through the town which advertised that “Ireland is for the Irish” – and that Newry “will not be a sanctuary for illegal immigrants”.
One speaker led chants of “Sinn Fein are traitors”, aimed at local councillors from the largest party in the council area, who supported a motion to approve the council joining the City of Sanctuary network.
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes has said the Newry rally was part of “attempts by micro groups to stir hostility toward migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and minority communities across Ireland”.
“The overwhelming majority of people across Ireland reject this toxic narrative. Ireland today is diverse, modern, and compassionate.
People who have decided to make Ireland their home are essential to our communities, our economy and our public services.
A spokesperson for City of Sanctuary UK’s Local Authority Network said any claims that private companies would target areas designated as a City of Sanctuary for housing was “completely false”.
The spokesperson said local councils, including Newry, Mourne and Down, have “limited” powers and any move to join the scheme is aimed at “integration” of migrants who are already living in the area.