Glenarden council affirms immigrant-protection and DEI resolutions; tables employee retirement reallocation, holds first reading on council pay increase

Glenarden, Md. — The Glenarden City Council on Tuesday approved two resolutions that commit the city to limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and to affirm diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles, and it tabled a proposed mid‑year budget reallocation for city employee retirement benefits until the March regular session. Councilmembers also heard a first reading of an ordinance to raise the annual council stipend.

The immigrant‑protections measure, Resolution R37‑2025, instructs the Glenarden Police Department not to inquire about immigration status except where required by law or directly relevant to a criminal investigation, and to decline ICE detainer requests or administrative warrants that are not signed by a federal judge. It also directs that city resources not be used to assist federal immigration enforcement unless required by law and designates “sensitive areas” such as schools, places of worship and libraries as places where residents should be able to access services without fear of immigration enforcement.

Council President Curtis said the resolution reaffirms the city’s position that local public safety depends on trust between residents and law enforcement. Opponents raised concerns that the language could create legal or practical conflicts with federal requirements and might “advertise” immigrant populations to outside enforcement activity.

The DEI resolution, R38‑2025, passed later in the legislative section and reaffirms Glenarden’s support for policies and practices that promote equal access to municipal services, inclusive hiring, outreach and community engagement. Supporters said the resolution sends an affirming message to residents; some councilmembers questioned whether the city has a local problem that requires such a statement and pressed for implementation steps beyond the declaration.

On a separate fiscal item, an ordinance that would reallocate $67,774 within the FY25 budget to increase retirement benefit lines was introduced for first reading. Councilmembers discussed whether the ordinance should be adopted as an emergency measure; the council did not find a valid reason for emergency passage and a motion to table the item (listed in the agenda as R34‑2025) was made and adopted, with the ordinance to be brought back at the March regular session so councilmembers can review the detailed calculations and budget placement.

The council also received a first reading of Ordinance 062025, a proposal to raise the annual council salary from the current $7,200 to $12,000.02 effective after the 2025 city election and tied to the FY2026 budget; by rule the first reading carries no immediate action.

Votes at a glance: Resolution R37‑2025 (immigrant protections) and Resolution R38‑2025 (DEI) were adopted by roll call; at least one councilmember abstained on each resolution. The retirement reallocation ordinance was tabled to the March regular session; the stipend increase was read for the first time and will return for further consideration.

Councilmembers and administrators said the items link to state and county actions and to community outreach efforts. Several speakers asked staff to prepare clearer budget notes and legal analysis to explain how local policy language would interact with state or federal requirements before final votes. The council scheduled the retirement appropriation item for more detailed review in March.

The meeting record shows council debate, several public comments on related community concerns, and the clerk’s roll calls for the adopted resolutions. No ordinance was adopted on the night of Feb. 18; the two resolutions carry policy guidance but do not create new criminal penalties or change municipal enforcement authority beyond the stated limits in the texts.

Looking ahead, the council directed staff to include the budget reallocation item and any necessary legal notes on the March agenda and to provide additional material explaining effective dates and administrative implementation for the stipend proposal.