Baltimore's First Latina Council Member Advocates for Enhanced ICE Protections Near Schools

In a recent City Hall hearing, education officials, social workers, and pediatricians expressed growing concerns over the impact of federal immigration enforcement on Baltimore students. The hearing underscored the heightened anxiety and fear that families, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, are experiencing as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have increasingly approached school areas.

The discussions were prompted by a troubling incident in June when ICE detained parents on the grounds of Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School, an event witnessed by their children and other students. Following public outcry, federal judges ordered the release of the detained parents.

Odette Ramos, Baltimore's first Latina council member, emphasized the need for the city to expand its Safe Passage initiative, which currently provides adult supervision in orange vests at 14 high schools. She believes this program should be extended to more schools anticipating increased ICE activity. "I know that’s going to take some more resources, but I do think that’s where we are," Ramos stated, showcasing her commitment to student safety.

Baltimore City Public Schools have implemented measures in response to the current climate, including clarifying that school property remains closed to the public during school hours and allowing students to accompany family members to court without penalty. However, school officials acknowledge the limitations of their ability to shield students from the pervasive influence of immigration enforcement.

Caryn Dayhoff, a senior youth services coordinator at Asylee Women Enterprise, highlighted the psychological toll on children from immigrant families, noting that encounters with immigration officials can trigger traumatic memories and exacerbate feelings of isolation. She pointed out that some families are even contemplating returning to their home countries, a decision fraught with danger.

Kwame’ Jamal Kenyatta-Bey, a Baltimore School Board Commissioner, shared his personal experience with the impact of ICE enforcement, revealing that his family faced disruption when his brother-in-law was detained shortly before a family funeral. He emphasized the real human consequences of immigration policies, stating, "Because of that experience, I come before you today not only as an educator but also as someone who understands personally how these issues reach far beyond policy discussions into the lives of real people."

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).