1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB0085, also known as the “Rachel Morin Act,” which seeks to repeal Maryland’s sanctuary policies and mandate local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This bill is a dangerous step backward that undermines public safety, human dignity, and Maryland’s commitment to being a place of refuge and opportunity for all. The people living in Maryland, regardless of their immigration status, are part of our communities. They are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, caregivers, and students. Demonizing them through forced cooperation with federal immigration authorities will not make our communities safer—it will do the opposite. Studies have shown that when local law enforcement entangles itself with federal immigration enforcement, immigrant communities become less likely to report crimes, cooperate with investigations, or seek assistance when they are victims of violence. This makes us all less safe. Furthermore, recent federal immigration policies have demonstrated a shocking disregard for basic human rights. We have seen mass deportation spectacles, people placed in chains and publicly humiliated for political theater, and an administration treating immigration enforcement as a tool for fear and division rather than justice. HB0085 would force Maryland to participate in this cruelty. That is unacceptable. Immigration violations are civil offenses, not crimes. The vast majority of undocumented individuals contribute to our economy, our workforce, and our culture. They deserve dignity and respect, not to be treated as criminals or hunted down like fugitives. Maryland must not align itself with policies that encourage racial profiling, family separation, or inhumane treatment of those seeking a better life. I urge you to stand against HB0085 and ensure that Maryland remains a state that values justice, fairness, and human decency. Our local governments should have the autonomy to set policies that best serve their communities, not be forced into compliance with a federal system that has proven itself broken and inhumane. I ask you to vote NO on this legislation and to advocate for policies that protect immigrant communities rather than vilify them. Thank you for your time and consideration.