Gathering TOMORROW Calling for ‘Trust and Dignity, not Detention’ as Priorities for 2020 Legislative Session
WHO: CASA, Takoma Park Mobilization, Jews United for Justice, Congregation Action Network, Doctors for Camp Closure, Maryland Against ICE Detention, ACLU of Maryland, Maryland Catholic Charities, MD Catholic Conference, elected officials, and community members affected by legislation.
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 26. Media Availability at 11:30 a.m outside of the Judicial Proceedings Room prior to 12pm hearing.
WHERE: Maryland Senate Office Building 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD
WHAT: Gathering in support of the Trust Act and passage of legislation outlawing ICE prisons in Maryland.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Community members, along with allied organizations, will join CASA Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 11:00 a.m. to advocate for the passage of the Trust Act, and the prevention of new immigrant detention facilities being built in the state.
The Trust Act, a package of legislation aimed at improving relations between immigrant communities and law enforcement, would limit state cooperation with federal immigration agencies, allowing for more vulnerable immigrants to feel safe reporting crimes, using health and social services for their families, and enrolling their children in schools.
Additionally, CASA will also be advocating for legislation that would prevent state or local entities from entering into any new contracts or renewing an existing contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or other federal agencies. This bill was introduced in light of negotiations to build a new ICE detention facility in Maryland.
Below are the specific bills that we are supporting and will be discussing:
- HB1612/SB901 – State and Local Government – Participation in Federal Immigration Enforcement (TRUST ACT)
- HB403/SB903 – Immigration Enforcement – Public Schools, Hospitals and Courthouses – Policies
- HB388 – Criminal Procedure – Civil Immigration Enforcement – Restrictions
- HB377SB850 – Correctional Services – Immigration Detention – Prohibition (DIGNITY NOT DETENTION ACT)
- HB892/SB649 – Public Information Act – Motor Vehicle Administration – Warrant for Personal Information
Bill sponsors and leaders on these issues include: Senator Will Smith, Senator Charles Sydnor, Senator Susan Lee, Senator Clarence Lam, Delegate David Moon, Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, Delegate Dana Stein, Delegate Vaughn Stewart, Delegate Gabriel Acevero, Delegate Fraser Hidalgo and more.
We invite the media to join us for a chance to hear the stories of the amazing immigrant rights champions that will be in attendance.
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