The debate over using taxpayer dollars to cover legal fees for non-citizens in Frederick is heating up

FREDERICK, Md. (WBFF) – A controversial immigration initiative by Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor is now drawing sharp criticism from one of the county’s top law enforcement officials.

Last month, O’Connor held a press conference in which he listed several local initiatives designed to offset Trump’s mass deportation plans. Among other things, O’Connor proposed creating a “Legal Advocacy Fund” that would use taxpayer money to pay the legal fees of non-citizens fighting deportation.

“We make sure they get the legal support they need to stay strong and stay in this community they call home,” O’Connor said.

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The announcement immediately sparked heated debate among residents.

“I don’t like the idea. I would rather our tax dollars went to the American people,” said Rachel Pett of Frederick.

“You break the law, it’s just what happens. No one helped me pay my legal fees when I broke the law. So why should we pay for them with tax dollars,” said Ryan Head, another Frederick resident.

Weeks later, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins is speaking out.

“He got way off track,” Jenkins said. “This type of rhetoric from someone like the mayor is simply putting Frederick County at risk.”

According to Sheriff Jenkins, the proposal not only represents a misuse of public funds, but also endangers the safety of the public.

“I think when the mayor says what he said, it basically means that if you come to Frederick County and you’re in the country illegally and you’re potentially a criminal, we’re going to protect you,” Jenkins said. “Listen, there are over two million, probably over two million people in this country who are here illegally, who have current deportation orders and are convicted criminals from other countries. We must remove them from our country to ensure the safety of Americans and our county.”

Additionally, Jenkins fears the mayor’s message could increase the county’s current low MS13 presence and encourage new gangs and violent criminals to seek out Frederick as a safe haven.

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“How do you sit down with the family of a Laken Riley, a Rachel Morin up in Harford County, a Sarah Root and say we’re going to tolerate this any longer? You can’t say that. “We have to do something now,” he said.

On Wednesday, FOX45 reached out to the mayor’s office for a response to the sheriff’s concerns. At the time of writing, we have not received a response.

In a previous statement, O’Connor argued:

This fund will provide community partners with resources for Frederick residents who may be harmed by the new administration’s actions, ensuring they receive the legal support they need to stand strong and remain in this community that they want to call home.

This would allow every resident in our community to be supported, and while we will never get everyone to agree on everything, it is worth working to support residents who may be fearful through trusted community partners.