March 2, 2012
For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Susana Flores at 240-706-2426 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CASA de Maryland Applauds Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for Standing on the Side of Justice
CASA de Maryland, the state’s largest immigrant and Latino community organization, applauds Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for signing an Executive Order today that protects Baltimore residents from racial profiling and keeps immigrant families safe from separation due to a broken immigration system.
This effort is another step in the right direction as our besieged community continues its ongoing struggle for peace and inclusion.
The Order signed by the Mayor today prohibits the differential treatment of city residents based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, and English language proficiency. The Order was signed just one week after the federal government forced Baltimore into the so-called “Secure Communities,” a broadly discredited federal program that forces local law enforcement into a deportation pipeline and has undermined community policing efforts across the country. The Executive Order signed today outlaws police inquiries into immigration status and prohibits the expenditure of city funds on immigration enforcement.
“Mayor Rawlings-Blake reiterated her commitment today to a city where all residents are treated with dignity,” said Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA de Maryland “Baltimore City has shown its commitment to immigrants and immigrants will continue to show our commitment to Baltimore’s future. We encourage officials in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to follow the Mayor’s leadership.”
CASA de Maryland led efforts to support adoption of the Executive Order, partnering with organizations and leaders including the Mayor’s Hispanic Commission, the Baltimore City Branch of the NAACP, the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP, the Greater Baltimore Urban League, the Service Employees International Union Locals 1199, 32BJ and State Council, World Relief Immigration Clinic, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish, New Harvest Ministries, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Women’s Law Center, UNITE HERE Local 7, Safe and Sound Coalition, Maryland Interfaith Legislative Committee, Progressive Maryland, the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, and the Baltimore Hispanic Pastors Association.
For further information, call Susana Flores at 240-706-2426 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
