I am the daughter of Pakistani Muslim immigrants who came to this country more than 30 years ago in pursuit of education and a better life, for themselves and for their future children. If my parents had not been given that opportunity, I would not be here today advocating for the civil and constitutional rights of immigrant communities.

That is why the Baltimore County Council’s consideration of Bills 98-25 and 97-25 is especially important to me, as a policy analyst with Progressive Maryland, a community member, and as a daughter.

For immigrant communities, cooperation between local government and ICE means fear: fear of calling 911; fear of going to work; fear of sending children to school; fear of seeking out medical attention; fear that a routine interaction could lead to family separation. No one should have to live in this constant state of apprehension.

Bill 98-25 would limit Baltimore County from using its resources to assist ICE in warrantless detention and deportation. These practices are not only unconstitutional, but especially destructive when they tear families apart and erode trust between residents and the institutions meant to serve them.

This bill also protects workers by preventing employers and county entities from enforcing immigration or nationality laws during the hiring process. In a county where immigrants make up more than 12% of the population which accounts to15% of the workforce, there is no doubt this legislation will be momentous. Immigrants are not a threat to our economy or society, they are essential for it to flourish.

Furthermore, Bill 97-25 would establish an Office of Immigrant Affairs to better understand how county policies impact immigrant residents and to ensure that those policies are not adversely impacting these groups. This kind of coordination is long overdue.

In a political climate marked by rising extremism and increasingly aggressive ICE enforcement, Baltimore County has a choice. It can remain complicit in systems that dehumanize families, or it can act with empathy and courage.

I ask our leaders to imagine if this were your family. Your parents. Your children.

Passing Bills 98-25 and 97-25 would keep families together, strengthen community trust, and affirm that everyone who calls Baltimore County home deserves dignity and protection.

By Iman Habib, Climate Policy Analyst, Progressive Maryland