Measure is critical step toward strengthening public safety, building trust between communities and local government
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the passage of the Safe Spaces and Communities Act in Baltimore City, calling the measure a significant step toward safeguarding families, promoting public safety, and ensuring that all residents can engage with local institutions without fear.
SEE: Baltimore City Council passes Safe Spaces and Communities bill to protect immigrants from ICE
The legislation establishes clear limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, protects city resources from misuse, and reinforces anti-discrimination safeguards based on citizenship or immigration status.
“This is what community-driven policy looks like,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Baltimore has taken an important step toward ensuring that families can live, work, and seek services without fear, and we congratulate all those who advocated for this legislation. When residents trust their local institutions, our entire city becomes safer and stronger.”
Key protections include limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, setting clear boundaries on when city agencies and law enforcement may engage, protecting city resources, ensuring personnel, facilities, and funding are not used for federal immigration enforcement absent a legal requirement, establishing clear protocols, requiring agencies to follow consistent procedures that protect residents’ rights, prohibiting discrimination by city agencies and city-funded entities based on actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status, and reaffirming Baltimore as a safe space, helping reduce fear and strengthen community trust.
CAIR emphasized that policies like this are essential to public safety because they encourage all residents, regardless of status, to report crimes, access emergency services, and participate in civic life without hesitation.
The civil rights group recognized the leadership of community advocates, organizers, and residents who shared their stories and pushed for the legislation’s passage.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com