Maryland Bans Local ICE Partnerships in Landmark Immigration Law
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed emergency legislation on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, effectively ending formal cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through 287(g) agreements. The move, hailed by immigrant advocates and Democrats, and criticized by Republicans, marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to immigration enforcement.
What are 287(g) Agreements?
287(g) agreements, authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allow state and local law enforcement officers to receive training to enforce federal immigration laws. These agreements approach in different forms, including allowing officers to inquire about immigration status during arrests and enabling them to carry out immigration enforcement duties, such as processing detentions and serving warrants.
Key Provisions of the Modern Law
The newly enacted legislation prohibits state agencies and employees from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE. It also mandates the termination of all existing agreements by July 2026. The law went into effect immediately upon signing, requiring nine Maryland jurisdictions to complete their participation in the program. These jurisdictions include:
- Allegany County Sheriff’s Office
- Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
- Cecil County Sheriff’s Office
- Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
- Garrett County Sheriff’s Office
- Harford County Sheriff’s Office
- St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- Washington County Sheriff’s Office
- Wicomico County Corrections Center
Governor Moore’s Stance
Governor Moore emphasized that the legislation is not intended to hinder law enforcement’s ability to address public safety concerns. “We will continue to coordinate on shared public safety priorities, including the lawful removal of non-citizen offenders who pose a risk to the public,” Moore stated. He also clarified that the bill does not authorize the release of criminals or prevent collaboration with federal agencies on serious offenses. Moore further asserted that Maryland “defends constitutional rights and constitutional policing” and will not allow local officers to be deputized by agencies that “do not hold the same standards.”
Legislative Support and Opposition
The bills received strong support from Democratic leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Senate President Bill Ferguson, and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. Ferguson highlighted instances of individuals altering their behavior, such as changing vehicles, due to fear of ICE encounters. Peña-Melnyk, herself an immigrant, shared her mother’s experiences navigating life in the United States without English proficiency, underscoring the contributions of immigrants to Maryland.
However, Republican lawmakers criticized the legislation as prioritizing “political theater” over public safety. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel and House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy argued that the ban would create additional obstacles for law enforcement cooperation with ICE. They noted that some counties maintain informal coordination with ICE through local jails and intend to continue these practices.
ICE’s Role and Funding
Governor Moore pointed out that ICE, with an $85 billion budget, is the largest law enforcement agency in the United States and a significant military force globally, exceeding the size of the FBI, DEA, and ATF.
Looking Ahead
The passage of this legislation represents a significant step towards limiting local involvement in federal immigration enforcement in Maryland. The state government has indicated its continued commitment to working with federal agencies on public safety matters while upholding constitutional rights and protecting immigrant communities. The impact of this law will be closely monitored as the July 2026 deadline for terminating existing agreements approaches.