Republican Delegate Nino Mangione of Baltimore County has introduced House Bill 85, dubbed “The Rachel Morin Act,” aimed at prohibiting sanctuary policies across Maryland. The bill was presented to the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
The legislation would require counties and municipalities to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities regarding individuals unlawfully present in the United States. “Sanctuary policies can be deadly, they’re dangerous. They need to end,” Mangione stated during the hearing.
The bill’s name honors Rachel Morin, a Harford County mother of five who was found deceased near a hiking trail in August 2023. The suspect in her murder, Victor Martinez Hernandez, is reportedly a citizen of El Salvador who entered the United States illegally after being connected to another murder in El Salvador.
“It may not bring Rachel Morin back, I pray for her family. But the fact is, the hope of this bill is to ensure nothing like that never happens again,” Mangione explained.
Despite recent polling showing 76% of Maryland voters support cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the bill faces significant opposition. Local leaders, including Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, have expressed concerns. Pittman emphasized the importance of welcoming immigrants, while Scott stated, “We’re not just going to be targeting people because they’re immigrants.”
Mangione acknowledged the challenge of passing the legislation in the Democratic-controlled House. “Am I confident that it will pass, well that I’m not sure,” he said. “But this is about protecting our communities. And quite frankly, I think that anybody that doesn’t support this bill, I have to really question whether they really give a damn about public safety and community safety.”
The delegate also voiced support for ICE officials, stating, “I give credit to the ICE directors in this state who are working very hard, very dangerous jobs. And to have elected officials who will not make their jobs as easy and safe as possible is shameful.”
The Gonzales poll referenced in support of the legislation surveyed 811 Maryland voters.
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