Maryland Legislators Approve Ban on Local ICE Agreements

The Maryland General Assembly has approved legislation that prohibits local law enforcement from entering into formal agreements with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This action marks the first bill to reach Governor Wes Moore’s desk in the 2026 legislative session. The House of Delegates and the state Senate voted on identical bills on Thursday, with the House tallying 99-38 and the Senate 32-13, both votes falling strictly along party lines.

This legislation, led by Senator Will Smith of Montgomery County, targets the controversial 287(g) agreements, which allow local jurisdictions to collaborate with ICE in enforcing immigration laws. Three counties in Maryland, including Cecil, Frederick, and Harford, use a jail enforcement model to screen individuals for their immigration status. Meanwhile, six other counties operate under a warrant model, notifying ICE when individuals have outstanding warrants.

The bill aims to eliminate both existing and future 287(g) agreements across Maryland. Despite this, local law enforcement will still maintain the ability to interact with ICE agents. Proponents of the bill argue that it enhances public safety by encouraging immigrant communities to engage with law enforcement without the fear of deportation.

In contrast, sheriffs representing the counties with 287(g) agreements voiced their opposition during committee hearings, claiming that these partnerships contribute positively to community safety by allowing law enforcement to focus on serious offenders. They assert that the agreements help to create safer environments, particularly in areas grappling with issues like drug trafficking and violent crime.

During the House debate, supporters framed the legislation as a necessary measure to restore trust within immigrant communities. House Majority Leader David Moon emphasized that the bill would ensure that individuals can report crimes without fearing a response from ICE. Meanwhile, opponents, including Baltimore County Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga, argued that abolishing these agreements would hinder law enforcement’s ability to remove dangerous individuals from the community.

Senator William Folden, a Republican from Frederick County, expressed concerns that the bill could lead to a surge in ICE activity within Maryland, arguing for the necessity of the current system to maintain community safety. He called for the decision to remain in the hands of locally elected sheriffs and law enforcement agencies.

On the other hand, Senator Malcolm Augustine of Prince George’s County criticized ICE’s practices as being lawless and asserted that Maryland should not be complicit in such actions.

Governor Moore has indicated his eagerness to sign the bill into law and continue collaborating with the General Assembly on further measures that support immigrant rights. In his State of the State address, he highlighted the fears many Marylanders experience regarding potential detention by federal agents. “Maryland is a state of immigrants. That is our strength, not our weakness,” he stated.

As this legislation progresses, it reflects a significant shift in Maryland’s approach to immigration enforcement and local law enforcement’s relationship with federal authorities. This ongoing debate underscores the complexities of balancing public safety with the rights and protections of immigrant communities.