Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman issued a statement supporting legislation to end local law enforcement collaboration with ICE, saying such partnerships create fear in immigrant communities and undermine public safety.
She added that outdated federal immigration laws have left contributing residents vulnerable and said she supports continued efforts in the General Assembly to protect all Marylanders.
“Maryland is strongest when every resident can live, work, and worship without fear. Partnerships between local law enforcement and ICE undermine that safety by creating an environment in which immigrant Marylanders are afraid to call 911, cooperate with investigations, or seek public services. That fear makes us all less safe and weakens our collective civic fabric.
“Our country’s immigration laws have been broken and outdated for decades. The federal government has failed to establish a robust system that would provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who entered illegally but have otherwise been law-abiding, tax-paying, and contributing members of our communities.
“The targeting of these residents by ICE is unacceptable. Maryland taxpayers should not foot the bill for cooperation with such actions.
“I’m grateful that the House took steps this past session to protect our residents, and I commend the Senate’s commitment to ending these inhumane agreements in the year ahead. Their leadership moves us closer to a Maryland that values the dignity of all people.
“I look forward to once again supporting legislation to ensure all Marylanders — no matter their place of birth — can live safely, contribute openly, and fully participate in our shared civic life.”
