Information about our local and state efforts to keep our community a welcoming place

Many Takoma Parkers are distressed by reports of actions being taken against immigrants around the country. Here in Takoma Park, we strive to be an open and welcoming community and we value all of our neighbors.

While things are changing day to day, I want to share some current details about our City, School, County and State policies, and point people to some sources of additional information provided by the public-school system and local non-profits:

1. City of Takoma Park does not assist in enforcing immigration laws:  Our City Code, Sec. 9.04.010, entitled ‘No City enforcement of immigration laws,’ states that “No agent, officer or employee of the City, in the performance of official duties, shall assist the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the investigation or arrest of any persons for civil or criminal violation of the immigration and nationality laws of the United States.”  

I suggest that residents read this brief but informative section of our City code to understand the details and the limited exceptions that apply (such as for passport applications): https://www.codepublishing.com/MD/TakomaPark/#!/TakomaPark09/TakomaPark0904.html

2. Montgomery County Public Schools: This information comes from the Chief of the Office of the Security and Compliance, Marcus Jones. (and here is a flyer with some basic info from MCPS):

“Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind: 

3. Montgomery County: Our County has an Executive Order that governs how the County interacts with immigration officials. You will see that it clearly prohibits County staff from all departments (police, housing, human services providers) from requesting information about citizenship or immigration status, and it also prohibits County departments engaged in enforcement from arresting or detaining anyone based on their immigration status. It reads in part: “No agent or department may utilize County resources to coordinate with an immigration enforcement official in furtherance of a civil immigration enforcement operation.” It forbids the agencies and departments from allowing immigration enforcement officials access to non-public spaces inside County facilities.

4. State of Maryland: Maryland has joined 20 or so other states in suing to block implementation of the Presidential executive order aimed at revoking birthright citizenship.  Maryland’s Attorney General also reportedly joined with the other states in issuing this statement:

“It is well-established—through longstanding Supreme Court precedent—that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws. While the federal government may use its own resources for federal immigration enforcement, the court ruled in Printz v. United States that the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service—and at no cost to itself—the police officers of the 50 States.’”

5. Local non-governmental organization aiding immigrants:  CASA, a valued resource for immigrants and the community at large, offers a “know your rights” guide: https://wearecasa.org/know-your-rights/ and says that  “In anticipation of increased ICE raids on immigrant communities, CASA has set up a hotline for folks to report ICE sightings and get emergency deportation assistance. The hotline is available in Spanish, English and French and is 24/7. The number is 1-888-214-6016.”

Thanks for helping to watch out for one another. I will share updated information as and when it is received.

Best,

Jessica

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