Immigration, Redistricting Dominate Early Days of Session

It normally takes a few weeks for things to heat up legislatively in the General Assembly.  The times we are living in, however, are anything but normal.  Two issues–immigration and Congressional redistricting–have already seen quick action. 

Immigration

The General Assembly just passed legislation to bar local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements—or any similar contracts—that deputize local officers to perform the work of federal immigration agents. Once signed by the Governor, counties with existing agreements will be required to terminate them immediately.

Current federal immigration enforcement has profoundly damaged public trust.  ICE agents are not operating by the same standards our local law enforcement officers uphold. They conceal their identities, wear masks, and use unmarked vehicles—tactics that create fear, confusion, and disruption in our neighborhoods.

They detain neighbors, coworkers, and family members without transparency, often taking people to unknown locations and skirting basic due process.  The conditions in federal detention centers—including those here in Maryland— are reprehensible.

Local police should be focused on public safety—not carrying out the extreme and cruel tactics of current federal immigration enforcement.  Our local police officers are professionals trained to de–escalate, to be accountable to the community they serve, and to operate under clear rules of engagement. 

The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission’s proposed new Congressional districts 

Congressional Redistricting

On Monday, I voted in favor of HB 488 to change Maryland’s Congressional districts. I did so because I have seen the devastating effects federal actions have had in Maryland.  I believe we must use every tool in our collective toolbox to stop the Trump regime and his enablers in Congress.

Again, the times we are living in are not normal.  Our state’s efforts happen as other states across the country have already enacted similar mid-cycle redistricting.  

Donald Trump and national Republicans are desperate to rig the House of Representatives and prevent the 2026 elections from delivering any meaningful check on his power. We cannot afford to just sit here helplessly as he does so. When someone tries to silence our voices, the necessary response is to turn the volume back up.

We are here to say that the voices of federal workers in the DC suburbs will not be muted by a gerrymander in Texas. The voices of schoolteachers in Baltimore will not be muted by a gerrymander in Missouri. The voices of small business owners on the Eastern Shore—who believe health care should be affordable and peaceful protesters shouldn’t be executed on the street—will not be muted by gerrymanders in North Carolina or Ohio or Florida. A new map is our bullhorn to say we are here and our votes will matter.

The House of Delegates is moving forward with a mid-decade redistricting plan that is for Maryland—for the state, and for its people.

If passed by the Senate, these maps will be used for the 2026 election cycle. Built into the bill is a requirement to let voters decide in November whether to use the new maps in future elections.

Passing this map is how we shine a light of resistance in these dark times.

Meet Me in Person at my Walk and Talk Sit and Sip:  This Sunday!

I feel it is important for elected officials to make themselves available to the public.  It’s equally important for people to hear what their neighbors have to say.  My first “Walk and Talk” got snowed out and, not wanting to host a “Slip and Slide,” I decided to move the event indoors.   

Join me for hot drinks and snacks this Sunday, February 8th, from 2:00–4:00 pm, at the White Oak Recreation Center.  Get details and R.S.V.P. here.

I will give a brief update on what’s happening in the General Assembly.  Then the floor will be open for your questions and comments.

Standing with Labor

The local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity recently made the principled and difficult decision to cancel their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast in support of the UNITE HERE Local 25 union in its labor dispute with the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel.

This event typically raises thousands of dollars for scholarships given to Montgomery County students pursuing higher education.  To thank Alpha Phi Alpha for standing with labor and help make-up the shortfall caused by the event’s cancellation, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund:

-       PayPal: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity@ASCFofIUL 

-       Online: www.tinyurl.com/Give2ASCF

-       CashApp: $ASCFofIUL

-       Check: Alpha Scholarship & Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 10788, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Need Help on a State Issue?

If you need help with a state issue, please contact my office at Lorig.Charkoudian@house.maryland.gov or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.

Your calls and emails will be handled by my incredibly talented and dedicated staff, pictured below.

Rose Stutz, Chief of Staff; Diana Renderos, Intern; Delegate Lorig Charkoudian; Abbey Vanasse, Intern; Tierney Acosta, Legislative Aide (Not pictured:  Kate Stein,Legacy Leader)

Onward, 

Lorig Charkoudian