Springfield, Feb. 13 -- Springfield City Council has unanimously cast a vote in solidarity with Liberians living in the United States while urging the Trump administration to halt mass deportations and formally acknowledge America's historical role in Liberia's colonization.

The vote is part of the Free Liberia Movement, which is seeking emergency temporary injunctive relief in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The lawsuit demands the suspension of U.S. visa requirements for Liberians and the halt of U.S. taxpayer funding to Liberia until significant governance reforms are implemented.

According to a news release from the Springfield City Council, the key demands listed in the lawsuit include suspension of all ...