Latest news with #KathyKlausmeier
CBS News
7 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Baltimore County executive claims sanctuary jurisdiction designation is a mistake
Baltimore County is listed as Maryland's only sanctuary jurisdiction in the Department of Justice's (DoJ) list of locations that it claims have policies that "impede enforcement of federal immigration statutes and regulations." It comes amid the Trump administration's continued crackdown on illegal immigration in the U.S. Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier believes the county was erroneously included in the list, and said the Office of Law is contacting the DoJ to "correct this mistake." "Public safety remains a top priority, where we practice community policing – an approach proven to enhance safety by encouraging cooperation with law enforcement at varying levels," Klausmeier said in a statement. "We will continue to support our valued law enforcement personnel while following federal, state, and local laws." The Justice Department shared the list on Tuesday, saying the designations were chosen after a review of laws, ordinances and executive directives in the listed locations. According to the DoJ, a location is designated as a sanctuary jurisdiction if it publicly declares itself as such, if they have laws or regulations that "obstruct or limit local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)," or if it limits whether local agencies share information about the immigration status of detainees with federal authorities. The DoJ also describes sanctuary jurisdictions as those that prohibit the use of funds for federal immigration enforcement, those that train government employees and law enforcement to enforce sanctuary policies and those that do not honor ICE detainer requests. Further, the department listed locations as sanctuary jurisdictions if they restrict ICE officials from interviewing detainees without consent, if they create offices to help migrants "evade federal law enforcement officers," or if they avoid federal laws that prevent migrants from receiving certain benefits. The list will be re-evaluated on a regular basis to include or remove jurisdictions that change their policies or laws, the department said. Each listed location will have a chance to respond to its designation, according to the DoJ. The list follows President Trump's April executive order, called Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens. The measure directs the DoJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish a list of locations that "continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of federal immigration laws," according to the Justice Department. Under the executive order, the Office of Management and Budget was ordered to identify federal funds, grants and contracts that can be terminated or suspended in designated sanctuary jurisdictions. The measure also directs the DHS to pursue legal action and enforcement measures for locations that remain sanctuary jurisdictions after local officials are notified of the designation. In April of 2024, before President Trump's second term, Baltimore County launched the Welcoming and Belonging Strategic Plan, which served as a guide for welcoming "new residents from around the world who are eager to share their values, build new connections, and use their talents to make our county safer, stronger, and more prosperous." The plan came after community meetings between migrants and county leaders. In March 2025, the Baltimore County Board of Education passed a measure to protect students who are migrants after a high school teacher allegedly posted to social media saying he would expose his students who attended an immigration rally. The measure ensures that migrant students have the right to access programs in the district without intimidation. The measure also affirmed the board's commitment to protecting student privacy. In April, Maryland lawmakers passed a similar measure, the Maryland Values Act, which identified sensitive locations – like schools and churches – and determined how they can respond if immigration officials show up. The law also created privacy protections for migrants' data. The Department of Homeland Security shared a similar list in June, though it listed eight Maryland counties and 10 Maryland cities as sanctuary jurisdictions. The list has since been removed from the DHS website, but it included the following: Cities Counties Several state and local leaders responded to the DHS's list, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who said, "By definition, Baltimore is not a sanctuary city, because we do not have jurisdiction over our jails. We follow our limited obligations as defined under federal immigration law." Leaders from both Anne Arundel and Howard counties said they are in compliance with federal immigration laws.
CBS News
25-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Council pushes back after Baltimore County executive bypasses Inspector General for reappointment
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier is facing criticism from county leaders and community members after announcing that she will not reappoint current Inspector General Kelly Madigan. She instead nominated Khadija Walker to take over. The decision comes despite broad support for Madigan among council members. She helped establish the office and has served as inspector general for the past five years. "We have this binary choice of yes, we accept this nominee, or we don't," County Councilman Izzy Patoka said. "A majority of members have said that they really are only going to support Madigan – including me." Klausmeier's nominee, Khadija Walker, spent most of her career at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, largely as a program analyst. In a news release Thursday, the county executive said Walker "has more than 22 years of high-level inspector general experience." However, some government watchdogs and councilmembers argue that the county's inspector general role requires a more investigative focus. Baltimore City Inspector General Isabel Cumming said that while Walker has auditing experience, the position in Baltimore County demands a deeper focus on rooting out "waste, fraud and abuse across municipal government." Patoka also voiced concerns about the process. "She [Madigan] began the office, and I thought she should have been reappointed," he said. "A number of my colleagues felt like she should have been reappointed. The county executive decided to go in a different direction." If the council rejects Walker's nomination, Madigan will remain in the role until a new nominee is put forward. "I think a good number of the councilmembers would like Ms. Madigan's name forwarded to be reappointed," Patoka added. The nomination is scheduled to be discussed at the Baltimore County Council's July 29 work session, followed by a vote during an upcoming legislative session. Madigan has not responded to WJZ's request for comment.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Public support grows for Baltimore County inspector general amid reappointment controversy
Public support is mounting for Baltimore County Inspector General Kelly Madigan after County Executive Kathy Klausmeier informed her that she must reapply for the job she has held since the role's inception in 2019. Madigan, who has served as the county's top watchdog for five years, was notified by a letter that she would not be automatically reappointed. Currently, Baltimore County's charter gives the executive the authority to appoint the inspector general, a system critics say creates an inherent conflict of interest. "The county executive is conflicted, there is no question about it," said Isabel Cumming, Baltimore City's inspector general. "She is within the jurisdiction of the inspector general." Madigan's future remains uncertain as she undergoes the reapplication process, which will remain open for three weeks. In the meantime, the debate has rekindled broader discussions about transparency, accountability, and the structural independence of government watchdogs in Baltimore County. "I have to put my energy into the things I can control, gathering my application, updating my resume," Madigan said. Baltimore City allows citizen oversight Baltimore City previously addressed a similar concern by shifting appointment power from elected officials to a citizen oversight board — a change approved by 89% of voters through a 2022 ballot initiative known as Question I. "Question I for independence — real independence," Cumming said. "Because saying you have an inspector general but keeping her under the watchdog of an elected official, that's not true independence." Elected leaders show support County Councilman Izzy Patoka is among the officials voicing strong support for Madigan, citing her deep understanding of county agencies. "She understands the nuances of each agency," Patoka said. "Bringing on someone new would create a whole new learning curve for that person." Patoka agrees that reform is needed in Baltimore County. "Baltimore County has had an interesting history, I'll say — and we do need a watchdog," Patoka said. Six of the seven County Council members have publicly supported Madigan. The only holdout is Councilman Julian Jones, who previously introduced amendments aimed at limiting the inspector general's authority. Patoka said his constituents have voiced no opposition to the office. "The only folks that I hear that from are people that have been in elected office," Patoka added. "So that's peculiar in itself." Cumming said the solution is simple: "Baltimore County, you need to catch up. You need to protect your inspector general."
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Baltimore County Inspector General told she will need to reapply instead of being reappointed
Baltimore County Inspector General Kelly Madigan was informed that she will not be reappointed to the position and will need to reapply during an open hiring process. In a statement shared with WJZ, Madigan said she met with County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, who told her the county would be hiring for the position and Madigan was "welcome to reapply." The decision has sparked concerns among some community leaders. Baltimore County hiring inspector general Madigan finished a five-year term as inspector general in January. According to our partners at The Baltimore Banner, she was hoping the county executive would reappoint her for a second term. "I love the job," Madigan told the Banner. "Of course, I want to stay and finish it out. I want to give Baltimore County four more years of my hard work." However, during a meeting, Klausmeier's office provided a letter indicating Madigan would not be reappointed. Under state law, the county executive has the ability to reapoint an inspector general. Baltimore County Councilman shares concern over open hiring In a letter sent to the county executive, Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka shared his support for Madigan. "Ms. Madigan has done an outstanding job over her five years of leadership of the Inspector General's office," Patoka wrote. "It is very difficult to create a new office for a government entity. It is especially difficult in Ms. Madigan's case, given the nature of her mission and work program." The councilman also expressed concern about the need for Madigan to reapply for the inspector general position. "Ms. Madigan has worked hard to understand the nuances of each county agency," Patoka wrote. "I am concerned that the selection of a new inspector general would need time to gain the knowledge that Ms. Madigan has already achieved in terms of the complexity of county government." "I am urging you to suspend this open hiring process for the Baltimore County Inspector General and reappoint Ms. Madigan," he added. Baltimore City Inspector General Isabel Cumming also expressed concern over the open hiring process. "UNBELIEVABLE! Shame on Acting Balt County Executive Katherine Klausmeirer for playing politics with IG Kelly Madigan," IG Cumming said in a social media post. "The law allows the [County Executive] to reappoint her, but NO - she is making the IG reapply for her own job!" Last month, IG Madigan was named fraud fighter of the year by the Maryland chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the Baltimore Banner reported.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
BGE plans to build new overhead transmission lines in parts of Maryland as coal-powered station closes
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is planning to build new overhead transmission lines and upgrade others across parts of Maryland in response to the retirement of a coal-powered electric generating station. The new transmission lines would cross Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford counties. BGE submitted a project application that explains how this work is necessary to address thermal and voltage violations that would come as a result of the retirement of Talen Energy's coal-fired Brandon Shores Generating Station. According to the Maryland Public Service Commission, BGE applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) in July 2024. If approved, the certification would allow BGE to build high-voltage transmission lines in the state. The application shows that the project would include: The Public Service Commission is holding three meetings to hear input from the community. The meetings will be held on the following dates: Written comments can also be shared online or by mail through May 1. Find more information HERE. A similar transmission line construction project sparked controversy for some Maryland residents. The Piedmont Reliability Project, efforted by New Jersey-based company PSEG Renewable Transmission, would create 70 miles of overhead powerlines through parts of Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties. The company said the project would help the state meet its growing demand for electricity. During a series of public input meetings, residents and state leaders raised several concerns about the Piedmont Reliability Project. Some residents argued that the transmission lines could impede on their property, and others raised concerns about the environmental impact. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation conducted a study that found the transmission lines would cut through hundreds of acres of protected area, watersheds, forest and wetlands, impacting habitats and water quality. PSEG said it adjusted the alignment of the project, taking into account the more than 5,000 public comments it received. Gov. Wes Moore also shared his concerns "about how the study area for this project was determined, the lack of community involvement in the planning process, and the lack of effective communication about the impacts of this project." PSEG has applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), however, in February, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said she would intervene in the application process. Carroll and Frederick counties also filed petitions against the project.
