* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Cohen
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for Federal Action - More Humane Immigration Enforcement
For the purpose of reaffirming Baltimore’s status as a Welcoming City and calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to adopt more humane tactics when operating within Baltimore City.
body
Recitals
Baltimore: A Welcoming City
We reaffirm our status as a Welcoming City. Our greatest asset is our diversity. We are made stronger through the many contributions of our immigrant communities. We are committed to welcoming and protecting anyone who would call Baltimore home. We are not interested in obtaining anyone's documentation or status. We will embrace and support children and families, regardless of where they come from.
Message To ICE:
The recent arrests made by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been destabilizing. They have undermined public safety by eroding the thin trust between law and enforcement and our immigrant communities. They have caused a decline in school attendance. They have made our city less safe, as victims of crime are afraid to report. They have torn apart families.
Therefore, we ask that ICE agents respect the jurisdictional boundaries of Baltimore and observe the following policy changes:
• Focus all enforcement efforts on arresting criminals who are causing harm to our city (violence, property crimes etc). Do not target anyone who merely lacks proper documentation.
• Do not target anyone with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
• While making an arrest announce that you are an agent of ICE.
• Do not make arrests in or outside of schools, churches, courts and hospitals.
• Immediately Contact family members to inform them of the whereabouts of detainees.
• Allow detainees to access attorneys and inform their attorney of any ICE request.
• Any documentation that needs to be signed should be translated to the detainee’s native language.
• Provide a warrant signed by a judge before making an arrest.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council reaffirms Baltimore’s status as a Welcoming City and calls on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to adopt more humane tactics when operating within Baltimore City.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Police Commissioner, the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.