Howard Council Approves Sanctuary Status, Bill Goes to County Executive

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — The Howard County Council voted to designate the jurisdiction a "sanctuary county" during Monday night's council meeting, 3-2. Sanctuary cities and counties do not turn over undocumented immigrants to federal officials for deportation. The measure passed less than two weeks after President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating federal funds be withheld from sanctuary jurisdictions.

The bill drew people on both sides of the issue to come out in droves, resulting in a public hearing last month that went past midnight and required a second day of testimony.

"I can honestly say that I’ve seen the best of Howard County over the last four weeks," Howard County Council Vice Chair Calvin Ball posted on Facebook Monday evening. "When [Councilwoman] Jen Terrasa and I introduced [Council Bill] 9-2017 over a month ago, we had no promises on passage or failure. We knew who we were fighting for, but could never imagine all of the amazing social justice warriors we would be fighting alongside!"

Responding to concerns — including opposition from Howard County Police Chief Gary Gardner — lawmakers amended the bill to clarify that it does not prevent police from investigating criminal activity as long as probable cause has been established and it prohibits county employees from questioning immigration status for the sole purpose of determining whether federal immigration laws have been violated.

Now the bill goes to the county executive. Previously, County Executive Allan Kittleman vowed to veto it.

"I sincerely hope he will reconsider his promise to veto this bill, but, if not, I am even more inspired than ever to fight for the Howard County we all aspire to be!" wrote Ball, who voted with Terrasa and Councilwoman Mary Kay Sigaty in favor of the proposal.

Council Chair Jon Weinstein, who voted against the measure, told WBAL that the bill "doesn't do anything." Councilman Greg Fox, the lone Republican on the council, voted against it as well.

Terrasa, who co-sponsored the bill with Ball, said: "This is the right side of history, and I'm so proud...to be voting yes tonight."

• Trump Cracks Down on Sanctuary Jurisdictions as HoCo Considers Becoming One
• Sanctuary Bill a 'Symbol' for Howard County, Community Members Say
• 'We are Disappointed' by Kittleman's Response: Sanctuary Bill Sponsors
• Kittleman to Veto 'Sanctuary County' Bill