As we celebrated America’s independence last week, we remember that America was founded upon the values that all human beings are equal and possess certain fundamental rights—to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

One of the roles of the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association is to provide a voice to legal issues affecting the Hispanic community and as such we support and stand with families, migrants, and refugees. We, as the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association, oppose the recently announced widespread ICE raids targeting immigrant families, which serve to create a divide between law enforcement and community members while stoking fear and concern in our community.

The Maryland Hispanic Bar Association embraces the American values of diversity of our community and supports inclusivity. We also pause to reflect on the inscription on the Statute of Liberty:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

We are listening and open to partnering for future events to ensure that all people are treated with respect and dignity regardless of their country of origin.