ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Freedom Caucus has issued a statement condemning recent violence in Los Angeles, urging Maryland officials to take preventative measures as protests are anticipated to spread. The Caucus emphasized the importance of maintaining order and protecting communities from potential unrest.
Vice Chair Delegate Kathy Szeliga stated, “What began as protests around ICE actions in Los Angeles has spiraled into riots, assaults, and destruction.”
While supporting the right to peaceful protest, Szeliga called upon Governor Wes Moore, local officials, and law enforcement to ensure public safety and maintain order during any demonstrations in Maryland.
The Maryland Freedom Caucus reiterated its support for cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly in the removal of undocumented individuals convicted of violent crimes. The Caucus cited a September 2024 Gonzales statewide poll, which they commissioned, indicating significant public support for this stance. According to the poll, 84% of Maryland voters favor requiring local law enforcement to transfer undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes, gang activity, or sexual offenses to ICE. This support reportedly includes 95% of Republicans, 82% of Democrats, and 77% of Independents.
The Caucus’s statement concluded by urging all Marylanders planning to protest to do so peacefully and lawfully, and called on law enforcement to act decisively against any actions that could lead to violence similar to that seen in Los Angeles.
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