CASA DE MARYLAND

TO HOLD

PRESS CONFERENCE

REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION

OF

SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

IN

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Immigrant Advocacy Group Opposes

"Failed" Federal Program

This morning at 11:00, immigrant advocacy group Casa de Maryland will hold a press conference at the Montgomery County Executive Office building in Rockville. Group representatives will be joined by unnamed elected officials, and religious and community leaders to speak against Montgomery County's involuntary participation in the federal Secure Communities program.

The program, which mandates reporting of data on those arrested to federal agencies, is described as a "failure" by Casa's Susana Flores.

Montgomery's current policy is to only report those charged in violent crimes, implemented several years ago by Police Chief Thomas Manger.

Critics have feared the program will snare primarily those arrested on minor offenses. Supporters have pointed to the fact that other jurisdictions like Fairfax County - Montgomery's biggest rival - already participate.

One speaker at the press conference will be Maria Bolanos, who was caught by the program, Casa says, after reporting a domestic violence incident in which she was the victim.

As an advocate for victims of domestic violence, this has always been a primary concern of mine when any immigration program is discussed. Whatever program is utilized, a woman should never have to fear seeking help if she is a victim of domestic violence.

With no immigration reform on the horizon in Congress, expect such programs to remain controversial, with so many competing interests to be balanced.