Baltimore's First Latina Council Member Advocates for Increased Protection from ICE Near Schools

During a recent hearing at City Hall, education officials, pediatricians, and social workers expressed deep concerns about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on Baltimore's students. The testimony highlighted a growing climate of fear among families, particularly as immigration agents have been seen near schools, prompting many parents to keep their children home.

The hearing was convened in response to a June incident where ICE agents detained two parents at Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School, an event witnessed by their children and others. Federal judges have since ordered the release of the detained parents.

Odette Ramos, the first Latina member of the Baltimore City Council, emphasized the need for the city to enhance its Safe Passage initiative, which currently operates in 14 high schools. This program employs adults wearing orange vests to supervise students during dismissal. Ramos noted that expanding this initiative would require additional resources, but deemed it necessary given the current circumstances.

Baltimore City Public Schools officials have implemented measures to address these challenges, including clarifying that school grounds are not open to the public during school hours and allowing students to be excused for accompanying family members to court. However, the officials acknowledged that they cannot completely shield students from the realities of ICE enforcement.

Caryn Dayhoff, a senior youth services coordinator with Asylee Women Enterprise, spoke about the psychological toll on children from immigrant families. She noted that encounters with immigration officials can evoke traumatic memories and foster a sense of guilt among children who feel they have done something wrong by simply being present in the city.

Dayhoff highlighted that many immigrant families are withdrawing from community services due to fear, with some parents considering returning to their home countries, which poses significant risks for them.

Kwame’ Jamal Kenyatta-Bey, a Baltimore School Board Commissioner, shared his personal experience with the impact of ICE enforcement, recounting how his family was affected when his brother-in-law was detained just before a funeral, illustrating the far-reaching effects of these policies on community members.

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