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Hundreds of residents urge Wicomico County Council to reject 287(g) agreement, citing fear, liability and racial‑profiling concerns
Summary
An extended public‑comment period at the Nov. 4 Wicomico County Council meeting was dominated by speakers opposing a proposed 287(g) memorandum of agreement with federal immigration authorities, with many calling on council members to register a formal vote against the partnership.
Hundreds of residents addressed the Wicomico County Council during a lengthy public‑comment period on Nov. 4, urging the body not to adopt a 287(g) memorandum of agreement (MOA) that would formalize local assistance to federal immigration enforcement.
Speakers from immigrant‑support organizations, faith groups and neighborhood associations expressed unanimous opposition by the end of the public‑comment segment. Concerns raised repeatedly included racial profiling, family separation, the possibility of inadequate medical and food care in federal holding facilities, county liability for transportation and detention costs, and the chilling effect on immigrant willingness to report crimes or cooperate with local law enforcement.
Mike Goldberg, an active critic of the MOA, told the council that contracting with ICE would not be budget neutral and cited recent lawsuits elsewhere, including a settlement referenced in public…
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