The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations joined immigrant advocacy organization CASA, lawmakers and community partners at a press conference in Annapolis urging support for the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to block ICE from Maryland schools and protect immigrant families.
Following President Trump’s rescission of federal guidelines that previously restricted ICE operations in sensitive locations, Maryland has seen an alarming uptick in ICE activity near schools, creating widespread fear among immigrant families. In response, CAIR and its partners are seeking action to safeguard these vital spaces and ensure that all Marylanders—regardless of immigration status—can access education, healthcare, and religious services without fear of detention or deportation .
“ICE has no place in our schools, hospitals, or houses of worship,” said CAIR’s Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi. “Targeting immigrants in these spaces is an attack on our most vulnerable communities. CAIR stands in full support of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, and we call on Maryland’s leaders to take swift action to protect families from the devastating consequences of these enforcement actions.”
The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, a key component of CASA’s Immigrant Justice Package and a 2025 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day legislative priority, was introduced as emergency legislation after the news conference. The bill seeks to establish state-level protections to prevent ICE from conducting enforcement operations in schools, healthcare facilities, courthouses, and other critical institutions. The measure has gained strong support from members of the Maryland General Assembly.
CAIR remains committed to advocating for policies that protect immigrant communities from unjust enforcement tactics and ensure that Maryland remains a welcoming state for all. The civil rights group invites community members to register for this year’s annual Muslim Lobby Day to make their voices heard and encourage lawmakers to support bills that reflect the American Muslim community’s priorities.
SEE: REGISTRATION LINK: https://bit.ly/feb17registration
Registration Opens for 2025 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
Co-hosted by CAIR, Prince George’s County Muslim Council, United Maryland Muslim Council, and the IMAN Network including over 30 mosques and organizations representing approximately 350,000 Maryland residents, this year’s lobby day will be held on Monday, February 17 at 5:30pm.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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, 410-971-6062, [email protected]; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi, [email protected], 202-850-9293