In response to President-elect Trump’s national immigration policies, Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor pledged to carve out space in his local budget for a 'Legal Advocacy Fund.' As Trump promises to carry out mass deportations, the fund would use tax dollars to pay undocumented immigrants attorney fees.
“Ensuring they have the legal support they need to stand strong and remain in this community they have chosen to call home,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor said he intends to allocate the money to organizations already providing similar legal services, helping them expand the number of people they’re able to support. Although, he’s still determining the exact dollar amount to set aside.
Some residents WBFF spoke with were supportive of the end goal.
“I believe a lot of immigrant people also contribute to the country,” Frederick resident Rita Darko said.
But everyone was against their tax dollars footing the bill.
“So, I'm torn,” Darko said.
“I don't like the idea. I'd rather our taxpayer money go towards American citizens,” Frederick resident Rachel Pett said.
“You break the law, it's just what happens. Nobody helped me pay for my attorney fees when I break the law. So, why should we be paying for theirs out of taxpayer money?” Ryan Head, another Frederick resident, questioned.
Echoing residents’ concerns, taxpayer advocate David Williams weighed in.
“This comes at a cost and this could be a very large cost for Frederick, and quite frankly, Frederick can't afford it,” Williams said. “Taxpayer money should be going towards infrastructure and the basic needs of the community. This is not a basic need of a community of Frederick.”
Responding to the criticism, Frederick’s Mayor sent WBFF the following statement:
"This fund will provide resources to community partners for Frederick residents who may be harmed by policies from the new administration, ensuring they have the legal support they need to stand strong and remain in this community they have chosen to call home."
"This could support any resident in our community, and while we will never get everyone to agree on everything, working to support residents who may be fearful through trusted community partners is worth advocating for."
