–photo courtesy of Delegate Bob Long-
The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 791 Community Trust Act over the weekend. The bill states it is “prohibiting employees and agents of State and local correctional facilities from taking certain actions related to immigration enforcement, subject to certain exceptions; and prohibiting law enforcement agents from taking certain actions related to immigration enforcement, subject to certain exceptions.”
The bill was passed in both the House of Delegates 92-37 and in the Maryland Senate 29-13.
The bill was debated in the Maryland House for seven hours until late Saturday night.
Maryland Republicans said this bill makes Maryland a sanctuary state.
“Maryland Democrats just made it clear: this is a sanctuary state. After Joe Biden allowed millions to enter the country illegally, you’d think state leaders would at least draw the line at violent criminals. Not in Maryland,” District 7A Delegate Kathy Szeliga wrote on social media.
“Annapolis Democrats refuse to require that criminal illegal immigrants be turned over to ICE. Even after the tragedies we’ve all seen -Laken Riley, Rachel Morin, Kayla Hamilton, DiCara Thompson.
These aren’t talking points. These are victims.”
“How many more American women have to die before common sense makes a comeback?”
6th District Delegate Bob Long wrote “Incredible” as he shared a photo of the Saturday night vote.
No local Democrats gave reason for their vote but 8th District Delegate Harry Bhandari knowledged it was a long voting session on Saturday.
“11:29 PM — Just before midnight, we closed another legislative session. Long days, tough debates, and meaningful progress for Maryland,” Bhandari wrote on social media.
“Proud to stand with my colleagues and serve our communities until the very last minute. The work continues.”
The bill was almost a partsian vote with all Republicans voting no and all Democrats voting yes with the exception of 8th District Senator Carl Jackson.
Here is how the local Senators and Delegates voted:
Senate
6th-Salling-No
7th-Jennings-No
8th-Jackson-No
House of Delegates
6th
Grammar-No
Long-No
Metzgar-No
7th
Arikan-No
Nawrocki- No
Szeliga- No
8th
Allen- Yes
Bhandari-Yes
Ross- Yes