HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — In Howard County, a heated debate unfolded during a public hearing on Friday regarding emergency legislation prohibiting permits for private detention centers that could house ICE detainees.
County Executive Calvin Ball emphasized the county’s commitment to public safety without sacrificing humanity.
“We will protect public safety, without sacrificing humanity,” he said.
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However, not all attendees supported the bill. Ashley Asberry, a Howard County resident, voiced her strong opposition, arguing that the county was enabling criminals.
“This isn’t about race, this about this county being delusional, supporting and enabling criminals, who are here illegally,” Asberry said.
She expressed fear for her safety in Columbia, Md., and highlighted the need for detention centers for individuals in the country illegally.
Asberry also criticized Councilmember Liz Walsh for allegedly interfering with a police operation. Walsh had previously claimed on social media that ICE agents were targeting a school bus, but Howard County police confirmed the operation involved local officers conducting a sting for child exploitation. Despite the controversy, Walsh defended her actions, stating, “The ICE officers are armed, our citizens are not.”
Asberry made her stance clear, stating, “I oppose these bills. I oppose people who are against the law. If ICE needs to come in here and do their job, they need to do it, and we need to let them do it.”
Despite her opposition, the county council unanimously passed the bill.
Read Bill No. 17-2026 in full below:
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