Keeping Families Together in Baltimore
- What is Safe City Baltimore?
Safe City Baltimore: Immigrant Education and Defense Fund was established by the Open Society Institute Baltimore (OSI) in partnership with the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs in 2017.
Safe City Baltimore expands services and resources in order to educate immigrant communities in Baltimore about their rights, provide access to lawyers for individuals with viable claims to remain in the United States, and connect individuals facing deportation with defense attorneys. Safe City Baltimore also coordinates existing pro bono resources to make these critical resources more easily accessible, all of which helps to keep families together in Baltimore.
In early 2025, Safe City Baltimore was revived to meet the pressing need of immigrant families for educational and legal resources in uncertain times.
- What is included in Level 1: Community Education and Family Safety Plan Preparation?
The first level of Safe City Baltimore funds and provides:
- Know Your Rights information sessions
- Family Safety Plans for when the head of household is deported
- Guidance on what to do if arrested by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- What is included in Level 2: Legal Assistance for Immigrants with Viable Claims?
The second level of Safe City Baltimore funds and provides:
- Immigration screening clinics
- Coordination with pro bono legal service providers with capacity for new clients
- Expanding Department of Justice accreditation to provide more immigration lawyers for the community
- Assistance with immigration applications
- What is included in Level 3: Deportation Defense for Families with Limited Resources?
The third level of Safe City Baltimore funds and provides:
- Rapid response services
- Coordination of legal representation
- Case management support for families left behind
- Immigration bond assistance
- How do I get help through this program?
Please contact us at mima@baltimorecity.gov.
- What can I do to help?
You can donate and contribute funds to provide these crucial resources and services to your immigrant neighbors through the Baltimore Civic Fund.
While the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs coordinates Safe City Baltimore, our office does not provide direct legal services.
Donate to Safe City Baltimore
Contribute to Know Your Rights education and legal defense services for your immigrant neighbors today! Click below to donate through the Baltimore Civic Fund.
Donate to the Fund