(WBFF) — Members of Baltimore’s immigrant community gathered at City Hall to share stories of fear and desperation as the City Council introduced two bills aimed at limiting federal immigration agents’ activities in city-owned spaces.
The proposed legislation seeks to bar city agencies from cooperating with ICE. “The immigration community I live and work with is terrified,” one speaker said before an overflow crowd.
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Council members recounted incidents they alleged have occurred in Baltimore. “Children have come home from school and their parents are gone,” Councilwoman Odette Ramos said.
Despite the claims, some city leaders have not personally witnessed ICE breaking the law. “I have not personally. However, we know they’re seeing an escalation,” Ramos said.
Councilman Mark Parker expressed concern about ICE’s practices. “In my opinion, right now in the Fallon Building in the detention facility, ICE is breaking their own policies and federal law,” Parker said.
The council also passed a resolution urging state lawmakers to prohibit immigration officers from wearing face coverings.
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City leaders remain optimistic that the crackdown on federal enforcement will not result in the loss of federal funding, noting that many of the measures are already underway. The proposed measures are expected to receive rapid approval.
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