Maryland Sheriffs Oppose Novel ICE Legislation, Citing Public Safety Concerns

Annapolis, MD – Several Maryland sheriffs have voiced strong opposition to a pair of bills currently under consideration in the state legislature that would restrict local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The sheriffs argue the proposed legislation will hinder public safety and limit their ability to effectively address criminal activity.

Bills Under Scrutiny

Senate Bill 660 would require law enforcement agencies to respond to ICE activity within their jurisdiction and observe and record that activity. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 791 aims to prohibit police from inquiring about a person’s immigration status, notifying ICE of an arrest, or transferring a person to ICE custody without a valid warrant.

Sheriffs’ Concerns Over Local Autonomy

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli expressed concerns that the legislation undermines the authority of locally elected sheriffs. “We answer to the residents that we serve,” Crisafulli stated, “and these types of bills are extremely dangerous when you are trying to take away our ability to cooperate and communicate with law enforcement partners.”

Recent Ban on 287(g) Agreements

The opposition to these bills comes just weeks after Governor Wes Moore signed legislation banning 287(g) agreements – partnerships allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. This new law prevents state agencies from entering into such agreements, with existing agreements set to expire by July 2026. Nine Maryland counties previously participated in 287(g) agreements, including Allegany, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Washington, Wicomico, and St. Mary’s.

Public Safety Arguments

Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis argued that restricting cooperation with ICE won’t reduce ICE activity in communities, but rather push it further into the streets. Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler cited the case of Victor Martinez Hernandez, an undocumented immigrant convicted of murder in Harford County, as an example of the potential dangers of limiting ICE cooperation. Gahler stated that the 287(g) agreement had been in place in Harford County since 2016 and helped identify individuals who posed a threat to public safety.

Legislative Process and Next Steps

Both Senate Bill 660 and Senate Bill 791 had initial hearings in the Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 25th. Senator Sara Love introduced SB 660, emphasizing the bill’s focus on transparency, and accountability. The Maryland Sheriffs’ Association is currently considering potential legal challenges to the new law banning 287(g) agreements.