We, the undersigned residents, workers, students, and allies of Wicomico County, oppose any effort to adopt a 287(g) agreement in our community. We urge our local and state leaders to reject this harmful partnership before it begins.

The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to perform federal immigration enforcement functions in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In counties where this program has been implemented, it has led to racial profiling, community distrust, family separation, and harm to local economies. Wicomico County must not go down this path.

I am a third-generation immigrant, raised in a multicultural household. I grew up watching my mother advocate for immigrant families from Florida to Maryland. Her fight became mine. And today, I speak out because I know what’s at stake — families, dignity, and the fabric of our community.

Immigrants in Wicomico County are not outsiders. They are our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and essential workers. They keep our farms, poultry plants, small businesses, and healthcare facilities running. They contribute every day to the safety, strength, and success of the Eastern Shore.

Our concerns about 287(g) include:

Erosion of public trust. When local police become immigration agents, entire communities fear law enforcement — and stop reporting crimes, seeking help, or engaging in civic life.
Racial profiling and discrimination. In other jurisdictions, 287(g) has led to people being stopped and detained simply because of their appearance, language, or accent.
Family separation. The program has torn parents away from children over minor traffic violations or civil infractions, leaving households devastated.
Drain on local resources. Our law enforcement officers should focus on local priorities — not take on federal immigration duties with no local benefit.
Economic harm. Immigrants are critical to our economy. Wicomico’s agriculture and poultry industries rely on their labor. Fear-based policies only harm our growth and stability.
We respectfully urge:

County Executive Julie M. Giordano to publicly reject participation in 287(g)
The Wicomico County Council to pass a resolution declaring that our county will not enter into any 287(g) agreement
Sheriff Michael A. Lewis to commit to keeping immigration enforcement separate from local policing
State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes to support equal justice for all residents, regardless of immigration status
Delegates Beauchamp, Hartman, Adams, and Sample-Hughes to oppose local-federal immigration partnerships across Maryland

Governor Wes Moore to support statewide limits on ICE cooperation
U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks to continue advocating for humane immigration reform and family unity at the federal level
We do not need 287(g) in Wicomico County. We need safety, fairness, and a community that welcomes and protects all families. We have a chance to stop this before it starts.

Sign this petition to stand with immigrant families and stop 287(g) from coming to Wicomico County.

Mike Lewis

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