WCBC

February 1st, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requesting information about how the federal government’s implementation of President Trump’s “Foreign Terrorist” Executive Order affects Maryland and its residents. In the letter, Attorney General Frosh stated, “The Executive Order has already generated considerable confusion, disappointment, and fear; it is of dubious constitutionality; and, in my view, it is likely to undermine its stated purpose of ‘Protecting the Nation.’” On January 28, 2017, several federal courts issued temporary restraining orders, halting enforcement of the Executive Order. Attorney General Frosh today requested of DHS information regarding three specific groups of people: lawful permanent residents (LPR) with a Maryland address; holders of valid student, travel or work visas; and participants in the US Refugee Admissions Program. 

Attorney General Frosh requested the number of persons detained in each of the stated groups before and after the issuance of the temporary restraining orders; the number of persons detained at Thurgood Marshall Baltimore –Washington International Airport (BWI); and, the number of persons who remain in detention. Additionally, the Attorney General requested whether personnel of the federal immigration enforcement agencies are complying with the temporary restraining orders. Attorney General Frosh made the request under 8 U.S.C. § 1373(c) – requiring information regarding citizenship or immigration status to be provided when requested by a “State or local government agency.” The Attorney General has requested a response by February 6, 2017. A copy of the full letter can be seen here.