Concerns raised over Maryland sanctuary bills
MARYLAND – “It slaps American law enforcement straight in the face,” said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis says he is against two sanctuary bills in the Maryland General Assembly.
He says the first bill, House Bill 388, which would prohibit law enforcement from asking someone about their immigration status or allow Maryland jurisdictions to transfer individuals to ICE custody without a warrant is a roadblock for police to make communities safer.
“If we are involved in a criminal investigation and they’ve entered our radar and they’re in this country illegally, then we should have the ability to notify federal law enforcement once we’re done with them to deal with them, absolutely,” said Lewis.
However, those in favor believe local enforcement should not participate in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“The problem will arise and continue to arise if we continue to combine those two areas and the only result will be lowering trust in our community, efficiency, which will lead to a less safe community,” said Matthew Peters, director of the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 901, which provides police officers immunity from criminal and civil liability for refusing to provide information to the federal government is also a major concern for Sheriff Lewis.
He believes police officers should not have that choice because that prevents agencies from working together, but Peters says this bill is the step in the right direction when it comes to protecting communities.
“All we have proven by doing this is increasing trauma and people stressed, and families and I know that’s something I know that communities don’t need and our school systems don’t really need,” said Peters.
Right now both the house bill and senate bill are in committee.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis tells 47ABC he will continue to voice his opposition against these bills at the capital.
Matthew Peters from the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center tells us there will also be a meeting by Talbot County officials Tuesday night to discuss Senate Bill 388.
