As Americans and proud Mountain Marylanders, we are deeply concerned about the increasingly aggressive tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Like most Americans, we understand the need for immigration enforcement and border control. However, under the Trump Administration it appears as if ICE is operating outside the rule of law and absent the application of due process. This has resulted in widespread havoc, the disruption of daily living and a threat to the public safety for both citizens and non-citizens alike.  

Increasingly, militarized and masked ICE agents are encamped in our cities and communities, targeting immigrants in aggressive raids of homes and businesses, in traffic stops, in the streets, near schools, and even in courthouses against people in the process of obtaining lawful status. ICE is casting an indiscriminate net — many of those detained have been in the US for years or decades and are engaged and valued members of communities. The vast majority have no criminal record. 

We condemn the harassment and targeting of immigrant people. We condemn overly aggressive and violent treatment of immigrants, bystanders, witnesses and protesters. We condemn the unwarranted seizure and detention of anyone without due process. We condemn the clandestine mass deportation of people to inhumane foreign prisons, a practice shrouded in secrecy and devoid of due process. 

We cannot turn a blind eye to these actions — they harm innocent people, tear families apart, and sow fear, intimidation and uncertainty in communities across the Country. They are simply inconsistent with our American values.

OUR CALL

• We call for the immediate removal of masked militarized ICE agents from our cities, towns and communities;
• We call for justice for anyone harmed by unlawful and excessive actions of ICE; and 
• We call on our elected representatives and Congress to examine the mission, tactics, training and actions of ICE, and to ensure safeguards that stop and prevent these practices in the future. 

It’s crucial to stay informed about what’s happening and to stand united against it. We invite Mountain Marylanders, those in surrounding communities and anyone who supports our call to join us in this voice to uphold justice and human dignity by signing this petition. 

This petition will be delivered to our representatives in the US Congress, our Maryland State representatives and the Office of Homeland Security. 

More information about Mountain Maryland Voices can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Mountain-Maryland-Voices-61575721612640/