1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to adopt a statewide Civic Shutdown Protocol and direct municipalities to implement it when federal immigration operations endanger residents and undermine local governance. Across multiple states, ICE has shifted from targeted enforcement to roving, uncoordinated operations in civilian neighborhoods. These actions frequently occur without local oversight, disrupt daily life, and have resulted in serious injuries and deaths. This is a public‑safety emergency, not a routine federal action. Local governments already possess the tools needed to respond—safety determinations, permit slowdowns, inspections, contract reviews, and emergency operational adjustments. What is missing is a coordinated statewide mandate to use these tools deliberately when residents are placed at risk. The Civic Shutdown Protocol provides a structured, nonviolent, legally grounded response: Phase 1: Economic Quiet — immediate reduction of nonessential activity to protect residents and deny normalcy to unsafe conditions. Phase 2: Institutional Friction — universities, employers, and public services shift to minimum operations when federal activity continues. Phase 3: Liability and Contract Pressure — formal safety notices, disruption findings, and administrative reviews that shift the burden of risk to institutions with the capacity to act. Phase 4: Targeted Work Stoppages — selective, voluntary stoppages only when institutions refuse to mitigate danger. This framework does not encourage confrontation. It does not ask civilians to endanger themselves. It simply ensures that when federal operations destabilize communities, the economic and administrative cost is not borne by residents alone. State leadership is essential. Cities cannot act in isolation when the threat is statewide and coordinated. By adopting this protocol at the state level and directing municipalities to implement it when triggered, you can: -Protect residents -Reassert state and local authority -Prevent economic and civic destabilization -Ensure institutions share responsibility I am asking you to introduce or support legislation that formalizes this protocol, establishes clear activation triggers, and requires municipalities to implement it when federal actions endanger the public. Our communities deserve safety, stability, and accountable governance. I urge you to act swiftly. Thank you for your attention and your service to our state.