The Baltimore County Council tonight tabled a bill that would have had the county assist federal officials in detaining suspects believed to be in the country illegally. The bill was supported by the council’s three Republicans — including Councilman David Marks who represents much of the Towson area — and it faced opposition from the council’s Democrats, including Vicki Almond, who also represents a portion of the Towson area.
Marks said in a statement: “Tonight, the Baltimore County Council voted to table Bill 32-17, which would have allowed the county to participate in the federal 287(6) program. I was prepared to offer several amendments to this legislation to require an audit of costs and an automatic review of the program’s effectiveness by the County Council. I also believe the program should address those prisoners who have committed repeated offenses or felonies. The amendments were not considered.
A federalization of local public safety functions is a serious issue. I will be working with my colleagues to see if there is a way for this legislation to be reconsidered, with a greater chance of passage. The bill had nowhere near the support on the County Council to override the County Executive’s likely veto.”
The county executive’s office also put out a statement: “In response to the County Council choosing not to vote on a bill that would have altered the duties of the Baltimore County Department of Corrections to include certain immigration law enforcement functions, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz issued the following statement:
‘My Executive Order promotes public safety and upholds the Constitution. The Republican council bill was more about bringing Donald Trump’s divisive politics to our county than doing what is best for our residents. I’m glad the council didn’t move forward with this legislation.'”