23/09/2025
As Chair of the Wicomico County Democratic Central Committee, I, Demetria Marshall-Leonard, will not ignore the dangerous and divisive 287(g) program or the Republican leaders in Wicomico County who continue to drag Trump’s foolishness into our community.
We call out:
Julie Giordano, Wicomico County Executive, for prioritizing partisan politics over community needs.
Sheriff Mike Lewis, who is pushing to expand the role of ICE in Wicomico rather than focusing on real local safety concerns.
Republican members of the County Council, who enable and protect these harmful policies instead of standing up for the people they were elected to serve.
Here is why we oppose 287(g):
Public Safety: When people are afraid that reporting a crime could lead to deportation, they stop calling 911. That means victims suffer in silence and real criminals stay on the streets. 287(g) makes our neighborhoods less safe.
Broken Families: This program doesn’t just target violent offenders—it sweeps up parents, workers, and young people who are part of our community fabric. It tears families apart and leaves children without caregivers.
Taxpayer Burden: Wicomico taxpayers are footing the bill for a federal immigration program. Those resources should be funding schools, affordable housing, and fighting the opioid crisis—not doing ICE’s work.
Discrimination: Programs like 287(g) open the door to racial profiling and harassment of Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. This goes against everything we stand for in Wicomico County.
Economic Impact: Immigrants are workers, homeowners, small business owners, and essential contributors to our economy. Driving them out weakens our local businesses and hurts growth.
Wicomico deserves leadership rooted in unity, not fear. We refuse to let Trump’s politics of division dictate our county’s future. We will fight for a Wicomico where every family belongs, every voice is heard, and every person is treated with dignity and respect.
Respectfully.
Demetria Marshall-Leonard
Chair,
Wicomico County Democratic Central Committee