The mayor of Maryland's second-largest city calls for the creation of a taxpayer-funded “legal defense fund” to protect immigrants “who may be harmed by the new (Trump) administration's policies.” After announcing the plan, it caused an uproar.
Democratic Mayor Michael O'Connor of Frederick said of how President-elect Donald Trump would treat immigrants, “his first term is just the beginning,” recalling his ancestors who came from Ireland, and saying, “We will spend more money to ensure He said he had announced a “demand”. [immigrants] They have the legal support they need to stand strong and remain in this community they choose to call home. ”
“In many ways, this election did not go as I expected,” O'Connor said. The city of 86,000 people is located halfway between Washington, DC and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
“As many residents know, our City Council recently took the decision to give voting rights to all residents who call Frederick home, regardless of citizenship status. It is our responsibility to continue to make progress towards implementation. “We will not take any action that we demand because it creates division, targets vulnerable people, or undermines the trust that we have worked hard to build within our communities.” “O'Connor added.
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The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee criticized the move, saying O'Connor's “commitment to protect illegal aliens is particularly frightening.” He investigated the case of MS-13 gang member Walter Javier Martinez, who was sentenced to 70 years in prison for raping, strangling and murdering Kayla Hamilton, a young woman with autism in nearby Harford County. emphasized. Martinez, who was 17 at the time, had been released to Frederick's “sponsors” before the crime. He pleaded guilty to Hamilton's murder in August.
Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) said public servants at all levels of government have a responsibility to protect the public.
“I am confident that the incoming Trump administration will ensure that these state and local leaders do not exploit the idea that they are above federal immigration law.”
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins told FOX News Digital that O'Connor's plan was “totally inappropriate.”
“I think he's going to piss off the taxpayers. That being said, I think it's unfair to the taxpayers,” Jenkins said in an interview Monday.
He added that there are ample private and nonprofit advocacy groups willing to shoulder the legal costs and other costs for immigrants facing federal lawsuits.
Jenkins, whose department is responsible for law enforcement outside Frederick, predicted the move would lead to an increase in criminal activity in the area with a “false sense” that they would be protected. I am doing it.
“He is not going to have the Frederick Police Department cooperate with ICE.”
Jenkins praised the next “border czar” Tom Homan, adding that the ICE veteran doesn't need the city of Frederick's blessing to carry out federal operations.
He noted that local and county authorities do not have the authority to enforce immigration laws, but reiterated his full support of Trump and Homan's general policy plan.
“I support it 100% from the standpoint of wanting to do everything we can to keep the county safe, the public safe, reduce crime, eliminate criminal elements, and clean up this country.”
“Now is the time for us to be organized, energized and engaged,” O'Connor said in reported remarks last week, citing Vice President Kamala Harris' concession speech. He said Frederick would add to her sentiments a focus on upholding the city's values.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to O'Connor for further comment. Frederick is famous for hosting both the presidential Camp David retreat in the nearby Catoctin Mountains and the U.S. biodefense headquarters at Fort Detrick.
In his public remarks, O'Connor denied that he was sending a political message, rather than a “patriotic message.”
“While we cannot predict every policy or action this administration will take, we have seen enough here in Frederick that the path forward is clear. We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that we remain a place where everyone feels safe and respected.''Protected. ”
O'Connor added that the Frederick Police Department, which is separate from Jenkins' agency, is “committed to ensuring that all residents feel safe reporting crimes and will not be questioned about their immigration status.” .
“We refuse to aid or abet outside agencies to detain, deport, or remove our residents from our communities,” the mayor said.
When asked for direct comment, FPD said it is committed to building trust and maintaining open lines of communication with all members of our diverse community. ”
“For many years, we have focused solely on enforcing traffic and criminal laws, not immigration laws…Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of federal agencies, not the Frederick Police Department.”
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In a statement sent to FOX News Digital, the department said it does not ask residents who need help or report crimes about their immigration status and wants all Frederick residents to feel safe in their interactions with police. Ta.
In Anne Arundel County, which includes the capital, Annapolis, Democratic County Executive Stuart Pittman proposed a defense similar to O'Connor's for immigrants facing deportation. FOX Baltimore reported Pittman. Anne Arundel said it will provide services to families of deported breadwinners.
In Annapolis itself, Gov. Wes Moore told Fox News Digital that America's immigration system is broken and Congress needs to fix it.
“Federal leaders need to put politics aside and work to ensure border security and a fair and humane immigration system,” he said, adding that he comes from an immigrant family and “has a history of immigration.” “I'm deeply involved,” he added. their community contributions.”
Moore said of “speculation” about how Trump will approach immigration policy.
“As governor, I have a duty to protect Marylanders, including members of our immigrant communities. I take that duty seriously and will wait to see what actions the new administration takes.”
Fox News Digital is also the contact for Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman candidate Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Democratic Rep.-elect April McClain Delaney, who will represent Frederick in his new term. We have also contacted the person listed.
