Dear Neighbor:

Here in Maryland and across the country, the Trump Administration's violent and authoritarian immigration policies are making our communities less safe and less free.

Masked federal agents, dispatched by DHS, have taken to the streets where they intimidate, arrest, detain and shoot people without probable cause or Due Process. That’s why Americans across the political spectrum have stood side-by-side in recent weeks to oppose this shocking reign of terror.

In Montgomery County and across Maryland, we pride ourselves on caring for all our neighbors and respecting everyone's human rights. DHS tactics now fly in the face of the values we hold most precious as they profile and harass people, citizens and immigrants alike, based on how they look, where they came from and how they speak. It’s intolerable.

Meanwhile, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti were shot dead in cold blood by masked federal agents. They should be alive today.

House Democrats demand accountability for this lawlessness and tyranny. Unless Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is fired, Chairman Jim Jordan should immediately begin Judiciary Committee impeachment proceedings against her. And if he doesn’t, we Democrats will launch our own impeachment investigation into the shocking constitutional crimes and corruption defined by her policies during her short tenure.

I want you to know that my team is closely following ICE’s presence in our community, and we are taking real and urgent action to fight the Trump Administration’s authoritarian policies at every turn. When I was unconstitutionally blocked from visiting ICE detention facilities after the DOJ brought bogus charges against my colleague Rep. LaMonica McIver, we brought a lawsuit to protect congressional oversight powers and the human rights of all our people, including immigrants—and we are winning in court.

Last week, I voted against more government funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes ICE and Border Patrol. Our tax dollars cannot support the constitutional violations federal agents are currently inflicting on our people and communities.

I’ve joined the entire Maryland Congressional Delegation to demand answers from ICE leaders about the agency’s reckless enforcement actions here in the Free State and its prolonged use of detention without regard for safety and fundamental rights.

As Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, I will continue to lead the fight on the House floor to oppose the GOP’s rush of bills that would empower any president to criminalize, deport, detain and disappear even more immigrants. I am standing strong every day for the Bill of Rights and the rule of law.

Know your rights!

Our partners at Montgomery County’s Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center have compiled resources so everyone in our community feels safe and supported, including immigrants. Information is available in multiple languages. Visit their website to learn more.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with a federal agency–like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the State Department or ICE–my District Office team stands ready to assist you the best we can. You can find the link to my office’s privacy release form for assistance with immigration cases at the State Department or USCIS here. You can find ICE’s privacy release form here.

I believe Maryland’s Eighth District is the best place to live in the country. We’re united by our love and respect for all our neighbors, our community and of our country. During these tough moments in history, it is easy—and understandable—to feel despondent.

Yet I’m filled with hope watching Americans—from Minnesota to Maryland—peacefully take to the streets to exercise their constitutional rights and stand up for strong democracy and strong community.

Thanks for hanging tough and staying strong.

All Best,