Local residents in Maryland are facing a new initiative in which their tax-payer dollars would fund the legal fees of illegal immigrants. Frederick, Maryland, Mayor Michael O’Connor has announced a new initiative that would provide legal assistance to illegal immigrants facing deportation under the Trump Administration.
The fund aims to provide financial support to organizations already offering legal services to undocumented immigrants, allowing them to expand their reach. Mayor O’Connor stated the goal is to ensure these individuals have adequate legal representation to remain in the Frederick community. The exact funding allocation has yet to be determined.
“This is about ensuring they have the legal support they need to stand strong and remain in this community they have chosen to call home,” O’Connor said.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from Frederick residents. Some expressed support for helping immigrants but opposed using taxpayer money for the initiative.
Taxpayer advocate David Williams criticized the plan, citing financial concerns. “This comes at a cost, and Frederick can’t afford it,” Williams said. “Taxpayer money should be going towards infrastructure and basic community needs. This is not a basic need.”
Ryan Heard, another resident and critic of the plan asserted, “You break the law, it’s just what happens. Nobody helped me pay for my attorney fees when I break the law. So, why should we be paying for theirs out of taxpayer money?”
Mayor O’Connor responded to the backlash, emphasizing the importance of legal support for undocumented immigrants in Frederick’s diverse community. O’Connor’s office released the following statement:
“This fund will provide resources to community partners for Frederick residents who may be harmed by policies from the new administration, ensuring they have the legal support they need to stand strong and remain in this community they have chosen to call home.
This could support any resident in our community, and while we will never get everyone to agree on everything, working to support residents who may be fearful through trusted community partners is worth advocating for.”
The initiative is set to be voted on by the Frederick City Council.
