Residents and Troy city leaders spent three hours Tuesday night debating whether or not to become a ‘sanctuary city’ for illegal immigrants. 

At a public safety committee meeting, council members voted 2-1 to send the item to a full council vote at Thursday’s meeting. 

Opponents say the sanctuary status will make the city more dangerous, and the issue should be brought to a referendum vote. 

Supporters say the opposite, arguing illegal immigrants would be more likely to report crimes without fears of being deported.