BEL AIR , MD - Earlier this week, Hartford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler urged Governor Wes Moore to veto a controversial piece of legislation that he claims would severely hinder public safety and interagency cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Critics of Senate Bill 791, claim it is an "ultra sanctuary state" measure, NottinghamMD.com reported, and according to Gahler, the legislation would effectively prohibit local law enforcement agencies from communicating with federal partners regarding undocumented immigrants suspected of criminal activity.
In a statement released to the community, Gahler, the governor, reiterated his previous commitments made to ensure that law enforcement agencies would maintain the ability to coordinate and keep violent offenders off the streets. He further argued that the passage of Senate Bill 791 would represent a reversal of those promises and create a dangerous environment for those living in Maryland.
"Maryland should be a place where public safety officials work together to keep all of us safe, not a sanctuary for those who break our laws,” Gahler said.
The sheriff's office is encouraging residents to contact the governor's office directly to voice their opposition to the bill. The push for a veto comes amid a heated statewide debate over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement and the extent in which Maryland should provide protection for non-citizens.
Governor Moore's office has not yet issued a formal response to Gahler's specific demands or indicated whether he intends to sign the bill into law.
Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to build trust between immigrant communities and local police, ensuring that witnesses and victims feel safe coming forward without fear of deportation.
Gahler remains firm that the bill places an unnecessary barrier between local and federal authorities, potentially allowing criminal elements to remain in the community.
Critics of Senate Bill 791, claim it is an "ultra sanctuary state" measure, NottinghamMD.com reported, and according to Gahler, the legislation would effectively prohibit local law enforcement agencies from communicating with federal partners regarding undocumented immigrants suspected of criminal activity.
In a statement released to the community, Gahler, the governor, reiterated his previous commitments made to ensure that law enforcement agencies would maintain the ability to coordinate and keep violent offenders off the streets. He further argued that the passage of Senate Bill 791 would represent a reversal of those promises and create a dangerous environment for those living in Maryland.
"Maryland should be a place where public safety officials work together to keep all of us safe, not a sanctuary for those who break our laws,” Gahler said.
The sheriff's office is encouraging residents to contact the governor's office directly to voice their opposition to the bill. The push for a veto comes amid a heated statewide debate over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement and the extent in which Maryland should provide protection for non-citizens.
Governor Moore's office has not yet issued a formal response to Gahler's specific demands or indicated whether he intends to sign the bill into law.
Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to build trust between immigrant communities and local police, ensuring that witnesses and victims feel safe coming forward without fear of deportation.
Gahler remains firm that the bill places an unnecessary barrier between local and federal authorities, potentially allowing criminal elements to remain in the community.
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