BALTIMORE — On Wednesday, Mayor Jack Young issued an executive order to all city agencies to protect New Americans from discrimination and encourage foreign-born city residents to access public safety resources and city services.
The executive order was issued to ensure that all victims and witnesses of crime, regardless of their immigration status are treated with dignity and respect and that city personnel will not arrest, detain or investigate an individual based on a belief that they are not legally in the United States.
“As a Welcoming City, we firmly believe in respecting the rights and dignity of New Americans. As such, we would like to ensure that the newest members of our community are extended the same rights and protections the rest of our residents and visitors enjoy,” said Mayor Young. “This executive order clarifies existing anti-discrimination policies and local law enforcement practices in Baltimore and makes clear that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.”
Commissioner Michael Harrison said he is in full support of Mayor Young's executive order, stating that public safety demands all members of the community trust law enforcement officers and allow them to feel safe when they report crimes.
Commissioner Harrison said that Baltimore Police will continue their policy of not inquiring about any person's immigration status.
