'Unconscionable': Baltimore County Executive on College Students Fearing Deportation

The head of Baltimore County government says he will not enforce any measures to single out and deport students from the five colleges in his jurisdiction.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz issued a statement Monday morning indicating Baltimore County would act as a safe haven for undocumented students.

"These students were children when they arrived in this country," Kamenetz said in a statement. "They were raised here and have no identification with their native country. They should be allowed to continue with their education and pursue a path to citizenship, without police harassment."

His letter of support for undocumented immigrants was addressed to the University System of Maryland chancellor as well as the presidents of the Community College of Baltimore County, Goucher College, Stevenson University, Towson University and UMBC.

Kamenetz said that police would not participate in any efforts to identify otherwise law-abiding students and subject them to deportation by federal authorities.

His statement came amid outcry that President-Elect Donald Trump, a Republican, would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which President Obama made law through executive order in 2012. Because it bypassed congress and was made law by executive order, it can also be revoked without congressional action.

Kamenetz asked Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to extend similar protection to students in all of Maryland’s college campuses.

“It is unconscionable that students on our college campuses would have to live in fear that they may deported at any moment,” Kamenetz said in a statement. “Governor Hogan needs to do more than tell Marylanders to take a deep breath.”

Letter from County Executive Kevin Kamenetz on Nov. 28:

Dear Dr. Bowen, Dr. Caret, Dr. Hrabowski, Dr. Kurtinitis, Dr. Manning, and Dr. Schatzel,

As the County Executive of a county that is home to five colleges and universities, I strongly support your efforts to protect undocumented students from deportation in the wake of the recent presidential election.

It is imperative that our nation’s leaders protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program instituted by President Obama in 2012, allowing students to pursue their education without fear.

I am urging members of Maryland’s congressional delegation and our State leaders to oppose any effort by incoming President Trump to rescind the DACA program. I have also advised Chief Johnson that the Baltimore County Police Department should not participate in any effort to identify otherwise law-abiding students from our college campuses that would subject them to deportation by federal authorities. This letter is also copied to Governor Hogan seeking his support in this effort as well.

Thank you for taking all necessary steps to make your students feel safe and secure.

Very truly yours,

Baltimore County Executive

C: Honorable Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr.
Honorable Barbara Mikulski
Honorable Ben Cardin
Honorable Andy Harris
Honorable Dutch Ruppersberger
Honorable John Sarbanes
Honorable Donna Edwards
Honorable Steny Hoyer
Honorable John Delaney
Honorable Elijah Cummings
Honorable Chris Van Hollen
Honorable Mike Miller
Honorable Mike Busch

Image via Baltimore County Government.