Politicians, business executives, civic leaders and even surprise celebrity guests gathered in Ocean City, Maryland for the annual Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer conference (Aug. 13-16) — where they held meetings, attended seminars, and discussed opportunities to combat challenges and strengthen communities across the state.
In his address, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) offered warnings about President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and the potential impacts on health care, food assistance, and local governments.
“At a time when the federal government is actively stepping away from its responsibilities – launching a direct assault on our people and our economy – Maryland is stepping in and stepping up, and with the kind of urgency that proves we understand the gravity of this moment,” said Moore. “The path forward will not be easy, but in Maryland, we always find a way to support our people, to defend our values, and to leave no one behind. This time will be no different.”
Leaders discussed topics from the economy to opportunities for students, and addressing immigration concerns– particularly Baltimore’s ICE facility.
A panel featuring Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field director Nikita Baker, drew some criticism and questions from attendees such as Prince George’s County Councilmember Eric Olson (D) and Baltimore Councilmember Odette Ramos (D), and advocates with CASA — a nonprofit organization working to support immigrants and working class families and protect their rights.
“Why is it that the agents are operating in this manner: very violent, picking up our people; masked and not identifying yourself? It is really abhorrent that this is happening,” asked Ramos, the first Latina council member in Baltimore’s history.
Ninfa Amador-Hernandez, who works with CASA, questioned Baker about why individuals without criminal records were being targeted.
“While I am doing those enforcement actions, and I come across somebody that is not a criminal, but they’re here illegally, they have no status, I am going to take those individuals into custody,” Baker replied.
Maryland Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk, who chairs the Health and Government Operations Committee, pleaded with Baker for agents to behave with compassion and humanity.
“I know this is not easy. I know you have to do your job, but do you have to do it in a manner where windows are broken in a car, where they’re doing it in front of small children that are in a car seat?” Peña-Melnyk questioned. “Can you tell your officers to be humane; be respectful? Because we are lacking empathy right now in this country.”
Braveboy Announces Partnership with Colin Kaepernick Promoting Student Literacy
While politicians from across Maryland were present for the convening, several Prince George’s County leaders held events, participated in discussions, and organized programming to empower Maryland residents overall.
In her first MACo leading one of Maryland’s largest jurisdictions, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) held a reception in partnership with Employ Prince George’s about Lumi, an AI startup that aims to improve student literacy. Many state and national figures attended the newly minted county executive’s event, including: Gov. Moore, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D), Prince George’s County Council Chair Edward Burroughs III (D), Prince George’s Board of Education Chair Branndon Jackson (D- District 6) and renowned activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
“AI is not some distant future. It is changing careers. It is changing the economy. It is changing industries. Now, we need to be at the forefront of it. Our students need to be at the forefront,” said Kaepernick, who is partnering with the county executive on using Lumi in Prince George’s County.
While full details of the partnership will be unveiled in the coming months, Braveboy underscored the importance of collaborating with Kaepernick
“This man sacrificed the career that he has worked for since he was a young child. That’s sacrifice, that’s leadership. That’s who he is. And that is why I’m so grateful that he has decided that he wants to bring his talent,” said Braveboy.