BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Baltimore County lawmakers approved emergency legislation Tuesday aimed at preventing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers from being established or operated in the county, even as supporters acknowledged there are no confirmed plans for such a facility.
The Baltimore County Council voted to pass Bill 14-26 as an emergency measure on Feb. 17. During the council session, the bill was declared an emergency and approved to take effect immediately: “14-26 is hereby declared an emergency measure and will take effect on the date of the enactment, which is today.”
The legislation bans the establishment or operation of ICE detention centers in Baltimore County. It also amends zoning regulations to prohibit private detention centers and the issuance of permits for such facilities.
Councilman Izzy Patoka, who also voted in favor of the bill, said he had received reports of ICE activity in the county. When asked, “Have you personally seen ICE activity here in the county?” Patoka responded, “I have, I had it reported to me.” Patoka also said, “ICE is the most well funded entity in federal government.”
When asked about concerns over potentially losing federal funding, Patoka said, “To me that would be extortion.”
Read full article and view video: Council passes emergency bill banning ICE detention facilities in Baltimore County
