Protect Maryland citizens from ICE intrusions

Recent signers:

The Issue

Growing up as a person of color in Maryland, I've seen firsthand the struggles and sacrifices that immigrant families endure to provide a better future for their children. Many of my friends have parents who fought hard to earn their place in this country, only to live in fear that it could all be stripped away because of the way they look or where they come from. This is not just a violation of trust; it's a violation of basic human rights.

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in places where families should feel safe: schools, homes, and workplaces. These are sanctuaries, not battlegrounds. Children should not have to be afraid of being separated from their parents when they go to school or when they’re at home. Adults should not have to live in constant fear of a raid happening at work, affecting their ability to provide for their families.

According to a Pew Research report, approximately 575,000 undocumented immigrants reside in Maryland. These individuals contribute significantly to our state’s economy, yet they live in constant fear due to aggressive ICE enforcement tactics. Not only do these tactics destabilize families, but they also erode trust in community institutions designed to support and protect all residents.

We are calling on state and local officials in Maryland to take immediate action to shield our communities from these intrusive ICE operations. This can be achieved by adopting policies similar to sanctuary city regulations, which limit the cooperation and resources our local law enforcement agencies provide to ICE. Additionally, we urge the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation that prohibits ICE from conducting operations in sensitive locations such as schools and churches without a judicial warrant.

Let us stand united in protecting all Maryland residents, ensuring they can live without fear and continue contributing to our community’s vibrant social and economic tapestry. Sign this petition to demand safer and more secure environments for every resident in Maryland. Your support can help us make a meaningful change.

danijha grimesPetition Starter

Media inquiries

180

Recent signers:

The Issue

danijha grimesPetition Starter

Media inquiries

Support now

180 The Decision Makers

Maryland House of Delegates,

2 Members

1 Responded

Joseline Peña-Melnyk

Maryland House of Delegates - District 21

“Thank you for taking the time to advocate on behalf of Maryland’s immigrant communities. I deeply appreciate you flagging these concerns and lifting up the very real fear and harm that aggressive immigration enforcement has caused for far too many families. I want you to know that this issue is very important to me, and it is one we have been actively working on for many years through the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, where I am a proud founding member. Alongside advocates, community leaders, and nonprofit partners, we have consistently pushed back against harmful immigration-enforcement practices and worked to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of immigrant Marylanders across multiple jurisdictions. This legislative session, the House has already taken meaningful action. We passed HB 444, which limits the power ICE currently holds by prohibiting local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements—or any similar contracts—that deputize local officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement. We are also advancing HB 155, which would generally prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while on duty, except during undercover operations, so people know who is policing their communities. More broadly, we are advancing a wide range of legislation this session to protect Maryland residents to the fullest extent permitted under state law. These efforts include the House’s passage of a redistricting bill, which is critical to ensuring that Maryland maintains a strong and meaningful voice in the national conversation. While the State’s authority is constrained by federal immigration policy, we remain committed to using every tool available at the state level to safeguard families, limit unnecessary cooperation with ICE, and promote humane, community-centered approaches. I encourage you to continue tracking HB 444, HB 155, and other immigration-related legislation through the Maryland General Assembly website as additional bills are introduced and move through the House. Your engagement and advocacy are essential to this work and help ensure that lawmakers remain accountable to the communities we serve. Thank you again for raising your voice and for standing up for the safety, dignity, and representation of all Marylanders. Please know that we remain committed to this issue and to continuing this work together.”