Latest news with #SarahElfreth
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Maryland lawmakers tour Baltimore ICE facility after allegations about inhumane conditions
A group of Maryland lawmakers toured a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Baltimore on Wednesday after they were denied a visit in late July. A spokesperson for the agency said the lawmakers initially arrived without giving advanced notice and were denied a tour for the safety of those in custody and ICE employees. Wednesday's tour comes after a federal class-action lawsuit criticized the conditions at the George H. Fallon federal building. ICE has denied those allegations, saying the agency is "committed to enforcing immigration laws fairly, safely and humanely," and complies with federal laws and ICE policies. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume and Sarah Elfreth participated in a guided tour of the facility on Wednesday morning. In June, the Amica Center and National Immigration Project filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of two women who were being held at the Baltimore ICE facility. According to the lawsuit, the women were held for long periods in "inhumane" holding rooms, which allegedly violate ICE policies. The lawsuit claimed ICE detainees can only be held for 12 hours in holding facilities. However, during a hearing in July, the Department of Justice argued that the lawsuit was incorrect. Other immigration advocates have also raised concerns about conditions at the Baltimore ICE facility. In March, the Amica Center and the nonprofit CASA held a rally where attendees criticized the size of the holding rooms, the lack of medical staff and the lack of a food service contract. The agency responded to those allegations in a statement saying, "ICE Baltimore operates a holding room, not a detention facility, and therefore is not subject to the standards outlined in the 2011 Performance-Based National Detention Standards." ICE also said its Health Service Corps is on site to provide necessary medical services. "In the event of a medical emergency, detainees are promptly transported to nearby hospitals to receive immediate and appropriate care," the agency said. In July, the lawmakers claimed their initial plans to visit the facility in July were "unlawfully denied." "This does not bode well here in Baltimore or anywhere if members of the United States Congress, who are duly authorized to come in and to inspect, visit, or walk through a federal facility, are not allowed in," said Mfume, who is a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. In response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted on social media, saying the lawmakers should have scheduled a tour at least one week in advance. "Congressman, if you need a photo op with the violent criminal illegal aliens you are protecting, schedule a TOUR," the DHS posted on X. In late July, 12 Democratic Congressmembers filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming there was an effort to limit access to detention centers that hold immigrants. U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md) was among the leaders who joined the lawsuit. In the lawsuit, leaders alleged that the Trump administration is blocking their attempts to enter ICE detention centers and delaying plans to inspect the facilities.
Bloomberg
22-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Freedom Caucus Threatens to Tank Vote
"Balance of Power: Late Edition" focuses on the intersection of politics and global business. On tonight's show, Rep. Ralph Norman (R) South Carolina discusses the latest on the tax bill and states that the legislation does not have the support to pass on the House floor. Senator Bill Hagerty (R) Tennessee talks about whether or not he'd make any changes to the tax bill, and Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D) Maryland states she would vote no on the legislation as it cuts health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of people in her district. (Source: Bloomberg)
Bloomberg
22-05-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
'A Hard No:' Rep. Elfreth On Tax Bill, Health Care Cuts
Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D) Maryland shares her thoughts on the tax bill and states she would vote no on the bill as it cuts health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of people in her district. She also talks about the Pentagon officially accepting a jet from Qatar, whether or not the jet can be trusted to fly the President, and her views on the President's announcement of a "golden dome" missile shield. Representative Elfreth speaks with Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu on the late edition of Bloomberg's "Balance of Power." (Source: Bloomberg)
CBS News
04-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Baltimore non-profit offers free solar panel installation to homes of low-income families
Civic Works, a Baltimore-based non-profit, is offering 170 free solar panel installations for homes of low-income families. The program is part of Civic Works' Baltimore Shines program, which aims to make the city greener while lowering residents' electric costs. Through the program, Civic Works will take responsibility for installing and maintaining the installed panels over the next 20 years. Civic Works estimates that the 170 solar panels they plan to install could save residents $200,000 annually on their utility bills and reduce carbon emissions by 700 metric tons, according to The Baltimore Banner. Civic Works reportedly received upwards of $4.6 million in grants to carry out the Baltimore Shines program. Maryland residents grapple with rising utility costs. Alternative energy has been a topic of conversation as Marylanders have expressed frustration about rising utility costs. Just last week, three Baltimore-area congressional representatives joined Baltimore City Council members in seeking to halt Baltimore Gas and Electric's (BGE) rate hikes. In a letter, U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski urge the state utility regulator to rescind the rate hike that took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and halt future increases. "In the simplest terms, people cannot afford the rate hikes thrust upon them," the letter to the Public Service Commission reads. "Local government budgets are stretched thin, Maryland's state budget is facing a deficit and many nonprofit entities are bringing in less money than ever before." In Baltimore City, many residents have seen extreme rate hikes, with some residents reporting monthly bill increases of more than $200. Last month, the Baltimore City Council passed a resolution urging the Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC) to halt BGE's planned 2026 utility rate hikes. Why are BGE utility prices increasing? BGE attributed the rising costs to several factors. According to BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos, increased energy usage due to colder weather, and a 30% spike in the price of natural gas are major contributors. Alexopulos also stated that the energy bill increases scheduled for June are related to the retirement of two power plants, and not BGE rate increases. Additionally, BGE increased its distribution rates, the main portion of the bill that goes directly to BGE, by 9% for gas and 7% for electricity. Distribution rates are regulated by the MPSC. Increases set by the state for its "Empower Maryland" energy efficiency program have also been attributed to the increased costs. Is solar power a cost-effective solution? While some homeowners say solar panels have helped them save on electricity costs, others say the installation costs aren't worth it. An investigation by CBS News Texas in May 2024 highlighted the success story of a Texas man who said installing solar panels saved him hundreds annually. Contrasting reports detailed what consumers say are deceptive financing practices from the solar industry. One homeowner in Garland, Texas said she was billed for solar panels she never purchased. CBS News Texas reported similar accounts from other homeowners.
