BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Amid the larger immigration debate, two new bills are being proposed in Baltimore County, designed to protect immigrant communities.

“I think it’s in response to one, the way ICE behaves in terms of when they engage in a jurisdiction, and also, we’re trying to ensure, to limit our county agencies activities with ICE,” Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka said.

The bills, proposed by Patoka were recently introduced. One bill would prevent county employees, departments, or agents from discriminating against people based on their citizenship, nationality, or immigration status. It would also ensure that immigration information remained confidential.

Based on the bill, Baltimore County police officers could participate in task forces involving immigration enforcement only if the focus was on criminal activity, not civil immigration enforcement.

The second bill would create the Office of Immigrant Affairs, which would focus on supporting immigrant communities.

“We’ve had a significant increase in creating fear in our communities, and we’ve had a significant decrease in due process,” he said. “And so there’s choices elected officials can make. We could sit by and watch and stay on the sidelines, or we can engage to take action.”

Patoka said the legislation would impact civil detainers, but would not impact criminal detainers. When asked if this legislation would cause Baltimore County to be considered a sanctuary county and put federal funding at risk, Patoka said, “I don’t know the direct answer. I will say this that Baltimore County did sign a memorandum of understanding with ICE. I don’t agree with that letter of cooperation, and some things are worth fighting for. There has been the talk of this big number that might be at risk, but I think it’s a scare tactic.”

Read full article and view video: Baltimore County Councilman proposes bills to protect immigrants amid enforcement efforts