Favorable
Committee: Judicial Proceedings
SB0245
The Maryland Catholic Conference offers this testimony in support of Senate Bill 245. The Maryland Catholic Conference is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
The Immigration Enforcement Agreements – Prohibition prevents the State of Maryland, local governments, county sheriffs, and any state or local agency or official from entering into immigration enforcement agreements and requires the termination of any such agreements currently in place. At a time when communities are experiencing heightened fear, threats to public safety, and deep mistrust of institutions, it is critical that policy decisions center the real needs of Marylanders and the well-being of our communities.
Senate Bill 245 aligns with foundational principles of human dignity, solidarity and the protection of the most vulnerable among us. As Pope Leo reminds us when discussing immigration enforcement, we must “look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have.”
Immigrants—particularly undocumented individuals—often live under constant fear and uncertainty, which can prevent them from seeking essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. This fear does not make our communities safer; it weakens them.
This legislation affirms the inherent dignity of every person and promotes a society rooted in care rather than exclusion. Solidarity calls us to stand with immigrants as our brothers and sisters, ensuring they are met with compassion and fairness instead of fear and marginalization. Our commitment to the common good further underscores the need for policies that build trust between immigrant communities and local institutions, rather than policies that push families into the shadows out of fear of deportation.
From a policy perspective, Senate Bill 245 strengthens social cohesion by ensuring that all Marylanders—regardless of immigration status—can participate fully and safely in their communities without the threat of unjust enforcement. By upholding justice and human dignity, this legislation reflects our shared moral responsibility to protect the most vulnerable and to foster a society grounded in compassion, trust, and fairness. No individual or family should be forced to live in constant fear.
For these reasons, the Maryland Catholic Conference urges a favorable report on Senate Bill 245.