John Appiah-Duffell

Mayor Newton, Members of the Council--I want to thank you again for devoting your
time and your thoughtful consideration to the proposed ordinance Fostering
Community Trust.

I found myself doing something for the first time this weekend: I looked up the city
charter of Rockville. And there under Article IV, General Powers, I saw that the powers
and responsibilities of this body, are plainly stated as to pass ordinances for the good
government of the City; for the protection and preservation of the City's property,
rights, and privileges; for the preservation of peace and good order; for securing
persons and property from violence, danger or destruction; and... for the protection and
promotion of the health, safety, comfort, convenience, welfare and happiness of the
residents of the City and visitors thereto and sojourners therein.

I didnt expect to be moved by the city charter of Rockville, Maryland, but I was. And it
really struck me how passing this ordinance would be an affirmation of the mayor and
councils most fundamental duties.

In the past several weeks--and months--you have heard testimony delivered in this
chamber about how some of the most vulnerable in our community, including victims of
domestic abuse or human trafficking, have become so frightened of what the
authorities may do to them because of their citizenship status that many of them have
not only stopped reporting crimes to the police, but so deep is their fear and mistrust
that they have stopped seeking out essential social services.

This is the current state of things, and it is unconscionable. This atmosphere of anxiety
and fear runs counter to the preservation of peace and good order; to securing persons
from violence or danger; and, I repeat again: the protection and promotion of the
health, safety, comfort, convenience, welfare and happiness of the residents of the City
and visitors thereto and sojourners therein. --this is the fundamental purpose this
council exists to serve.

Clarifying and codifying Rockvilles policy that federal immigration enforcement is not
the City of Rockvilles job--that the city, including its police force, does not ask about
citizenship status or discriminate based on that status, and that the city does not hand
people over purely for civil immigration lapses, would help to foster the communitys
trust--and it would serve the preservation of peace and good order for all of us in
Rockville.

I urge you to adopt this ordinance. Thank you.