The sanctuary city discussion continues in Troy with an open forum in the city Saturday night.

Residents, religious leaders and lawmakers gathered at Christ Church United Methodist after a resolution to become a sanctuary city was tabled by the council earlier this month. 

The resolution aims to protect immigrants and would mean Troy police officers don't ask about immigration status for minor offenses. 

Community members took the mic to ask questions and share their own stories.

Council members say a big reason why the resolution wasn't passed was because people weren't clear on the meaning of a sanctuary city and because the council wanted more input from residents. 

One of the city council leaders is pointing the finger directly at other local officials, believing they are stoking the flames of national anxiety over immigration.

"We have our county executive and sheriff who are actively trying to sow fear about immigrant populations in ways that are really destructive to the cohesion of our community here,” said Anasha Cummings, Troy City Council president pro tempore.

In a statement earlier this month, Troy Mayor Patrick Madden did say the city's police department already operates in many of the ways called for in the resolution. 

Many residents though have spoken out against the policy, saying it violates federal law and weakens the authority of police.