A summary of Lara's stance:

• No one is above the law.

• Everyone gets equal protection under our laws.

• Accountability and transparency in our law enforcement procedures.

• Lawful, humane immigration policy that reflects American values.

• Lawful pathways to work and citizenship that strengthen Maryland’s economy and communities.

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No one is above the law. Right now, our immigration laws are not being applied in an equal, fair, or moral way.  

 

ICE, specifically, acts like they are above the law. This needs to stop.   

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No government agency gets to choose who has Constitutional rights in the United States.  Our immigration system must follow the constitution’s requirements in a lawful, orderly, and humane way. 

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Everyone gets equal protection under USA laws. This is a core American principle and a responsibility of our government at every level.  

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America can uphold the rule of law while also treating people with dignity and fairness.  Equality under the law is not negotiable.  

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Accountability and transparency in our law enforcement procedures. All law enforcement personnel need to abide by our laws. They must meet the basics of identifying themselves, state why they are arresting someone, and provide the person with their Miranda rights. 

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Above all, ICE agents need to stop violating our laws by arresting people based on skin color, accent, food they are eating, or where they live.  

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Public safety and civil rights must go hand in hand.

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Lawful, humane immigration policy that reflects American values has been the cornerstone of our 250+ year history. I am a second-generation American. My family’s story, like so many others, reflects the American promise of opportunity, hard work, and contribution.  I am living proof that the American dream is real.

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During the last 25 years, I have worked to advance equal treatment for all residents in Frederick County. Through my involvement with the Deaf Community, NAACP, CASA Maryland, Centro Hispano, the Asian American Center, Xa Loi, the ACLU, the Human Rights Campaign, and others, I have supported efforts to ensure that our laws are applied fairly and that the government remains accountable.

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As Chief of Staff to Senator Ron Young, I helped ensure the protection of individual rights and autonomy, as well as the lawful application of law enforcement policies such as 287g by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. 

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Lawful pathways to work and citizenship that strengthen Maryland’s economy and communities.  This is not a new concept in America. In 1986, President Reagan and House Speaker Tip O'Neill came together to pass the bipartisan bill Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA).  The IRCA provided a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The law allowed those residing in the U.S. to apply for lawful permanent residence, pay fines, and meet background checks.

 

President Reagan recognized the value of immigrants who came to America and embedded themselves in their communities.  It is how America has historically strengthened and diversified our local economies.  We need to support new measures to provide citizenship for undocumented immigrants who want to join our nation.

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As your Senator for District 4, I will work to ensure that every resident is treated equally and with respect under the law, in their communities, and by all government offices and officials. I will support policies that protect civil liberties, promote lawful pathways to work and citizenship, and ensure local law enforcement operates within the law and with transparency.