Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor announced his plan to establish a taxpayer-funded legal advocacy fund to defend immigrants who may be harmed by policies from the new Trump administration. This move was made to ensure that immigrants have the legal support they need to stay in the community they have chosen to call home. However, the move was criticized by the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, who highlighted a case involving an MS-13 gang member who committed a crime after being released to a sponsor in Frederick. Republican Congressman Mark Green expressed his belief that public officials have a responsibility to protect their citizens.
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins criticized O’Connor’s plan, calling it inappropriate and unfair to taxpayers. He believes that enough private or non-profit advocacy groups exist to provide legal assistance to migrants facing federal action. Jenkins also expressed concern that the plan would invite increased criminal activity into the area under the false belief that they will be protected. He also noted that local and county agencies do not have jurisdiction to enforce immigration laws, but he fully supports Trump’s and Tom Homan’s policy plans.
Mayor O’Connor denied that his plan was a political message, but rather a patriotic one to ensure that everyone in Frederick feels safe, respected, and protected. He stated that the Frederick Police Department is committed to ensuring all residents feel safe in reporting crime and will not be questioned about their immigration status. The department’s focus has always been on enforcing traffic and criminal laws, not immigration laws. O’Connor stressed that they will not aid any outside agencies attempting to deport or remove residents from the community.
In Anne Arundel County, Democratic County Executive Steuart Pittman suggested similar defenses for immigrants facing deportation, indicating that services will be provided to families of deported breadwinners. Governor Wes Moore of Annapolis believes that the U.S. immigration system is broken and that Congress needs to take action to fix it. He highlighted the need for a fair and humane immigration system while expressing his commitment to protecting members of the immigrant community. Various political figures were reached out to for comment, including potential Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul and Democratic Rep.-elect April McClain-Delaney.
