The following article was submitted by District 7A Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki
Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki issued the following statement regarding the Baltimore County Executive’s call for an emergency County Council meeting to pass legislation tied to immigration enforcement.
Speculation rather than facts has driven recent public debate.
While the U.S. General Services Administration has leased office space in Hunt Valley, there has been no confirmation that the facility will operate as an ICE detention center.
“Public policy must be created based upon verified information, not rumors,” said Delegate Nawrocki.
“At this time, there is no evidence that ICE intends to operate a detention facility in Hunt Valley. Rushing legislation to restrict federal law enforcement based on speculation is irresponsible and risks undermining public safety. Baltimore County should not obstruct lawful federal immigration enforcement.”
Delegate Szeliga added, “Passing an emergency law to regulate a federal agency preemptively is unnecessary political theater. ICE removes violent offenders from our communities, and Baltimore County should be assisting federal authorities to protect the public, not fighting them. Maryland’s ICE office, ERO Baltimore, continues to lead the nation in sex-offender apprehensions.”
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s recent “Worst of the Worst” enforcement list, ICE agents have apprehended individuals in Baltimore charged or convicted of serious crimes, including:
• Franklin Chavarria (Guatemala): Homicide, Assault, Robbery – Street-Gun, Kidnap Adult
• Alfredo Carreon Lopez (Mexico): Sex Assault – Sodomy-Girl-Strongarm, Sex Offense Against Child-Fondling, Sex Assault – Carnal Abuse, Illegal Re-Entry, Assault, Sex Assault
• Mia Martinez (Honduras): Assault, Sexual Exploitation of Minor – Sex Performance, Sex Offense Against Child-Fondling
• Julio Gonzalez-Cortez (Venezuela): Homicide, Aggravated Assault – Weapon, Burglary, Possession Of Weapon
Baltimore County residents deserve facts, transparency, and safety, not policy driven by rumor or fear.
