MD mayor under fire for pushing immigrant ‘legal advocacy fund’ to rebuff Trump-Homan agenda
Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor of Maryland recently made headlines with his controversial plan to establish a taxpayer-funded “legal advocacy fund” to defend immigrants who may be affected by policies from the new Trump administration. O’Connor, a Democrat, drew on his own family history as Irish immigrants when announcing his proposal, stating that the current political climate requires proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations.
The mayor’s announcement comes in the wake of a decision by the Frederick City Council to grant voting rights to all residents, regardless of citizenship status. O’Connor emphasized the importance of upholding the city’s values and ensuring that all residents feel safe and protected in their community. He stressed that Frederick will continue to prioritize inclusivity and unity, despite political challenges at the federal level.
However, not everyone is supportive of O’Connor’s plan. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., criticized the mayor’s pledge to protect illegal aliens, citing a recent case involving an MS-13 gang member who committed a heinous crime in a neighboring county. Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins also expressed concerns about the potential implications of O’Connor’s proposal, suggesting that it may attract criminal activity to the area.
Despite the backlash, O’Connor remains steadfast in his commitment to supporting immigrants and ensuring that Frederick remains a welcoming and safe community for all residents. He emphasized that the Frederick Police Department will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts and will continue to focus on enforcing local laws rather than immigration policies.
In response to inquiries about his plan, O’Connor reiterated that his actions are driven by patriotism rather than politics. He emphasized the need for cities like Frederick to take a stand and protect their residents in the face of uncertain federal policies. O’Connor’s approach aligns with similar efforts in neighboring counties, where officials are also working to provide support for immigrant communities facing deportation.
As the debate over immigration policy intensifies, O’Connor’s proposal highlights the complex challenges facing local leaders in navigating federal mandates while upholding their values of inclusivity and compassion. The mayor’s determination to protect immigrants in Frederick reflects a broader commitment to social justice and community welfare, even in the face of political opposition.
