RED BANK – The borough’s Human Relations Committee reportedly voted in favor providing greater protections to undocumented residents on Monday night.

With a split 5-2 vote, the committee voted to approve a resolution to declare Red Bank a “welcoming and inclusive community”, the Asbury Park Press.

The resolution stopped short of declaring the controversial “sanctuary city” status for the borough, the report said.

The approval of the resolution could carry little weight, however, as Red Bank’s Borough Council must approve the measure before it is enacted.

Mayor Pasquale Menna indicated to the Asbury Park Press that he would likely not support such a recommendation from the Human Relations Committee, adding: “local government is not competent to get involved in immigration. We have enough issues.”

And Councilman Michael Whelam told the newspaper that he did not know if the resolution would be approved and that the borough council doesn’t even have to introduce the resolution.

Hundreds of people rallied outside the Human Relations Committee meeting, both in support of an in opposition to the resolution. The meeting followed a rally in neighboring Middletown where hundreds gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump’s “Contract with the American voter.”

Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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