WASHINGTON (WBFF) — Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler is set to testify before Congress Tuesday as lawmakers examine sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety.
Gahler, who has been outspoken about immigration enforcement for years, says he plans to bring two Maryland murder cases to the center of his testimony: the killings of Rachel Morin and Kayla Hamilton.
“I want them to understand the harm that comes, the public safety that’s undermined, by allowing ultra-sanctuary immigration policies to take hold,” Gahler told FOX45 News.
ALSO READ | Trump administration expands immigration crackdown with worldwide visa pause
In 2023, 37-year-old Rachel Morin was murdered while out on the Ma and Pa Trail in Harford County. Victor Martinez-Hernandez, who was in the country illegally, was later convicted in her killing.
A year earlier, 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton was murdered in Aberdeen. Walter Javier Martinez, who was also in the country illegally, was convicted in that case.
What I want them to remember when I testify, these are two stories that our community can tell, but there are communities like ours from one corner of this country to the other,” Gahler said.
The two cases have become part of a larger debate in Maryland over cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities.
Gahler has repeatedly called for greater cooperation, arguing that restrictions on immigration enforcement can undermine public safety.
Supporters of policies such as Maryland’s Community Trust Act have argued that limiting certain cooperation with federal immigration authorities helps build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.
Supporters have also argued that the policies help ensure immigrants receive due process and place limits on how federal immigration officers operate in Maryland.
Gahler said his testimony before the House Judiciary subcommittee will focus on what he sees as the public safety consequences of sanctuary policies.
“That is not public safety. That’s stupidity,” Gahler said.
Still, he said he hopes lawmakers on both sides of the aisle can find common ground on immigration policy.
“Hopefully Democrats and Republicans alike can put their heads together and actually get something done for the American people,” Gahler said.
As lawmakers continue debating immigration policy in Washington, Gahler said he wants them to remember the two Maryland women whose cases will be central to his testimony: Rachel Morin and Kayla Hamilton.
Local Story
