Maryland Governor Moore Signs Law Which Prohibits Local Police Entering Agreements with Federal Immigration Enforcement

Governor Wes Moore has signed new legislation that prohibits state and local jurisdictions within Maryland from deputizing their law enforcement officers to assist with federal civil immigration enforcement. The law, enacted through SB 245/HB 444 and effective immediately, aims to delineate the responsibilities of state and federal authorities and maintain public trust by prohibiting law enforcement agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This legislative action directly addresses the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s ICE 287(g) program, which allows for local law enforcement officials to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement duties under ICE’s supervision. Under the new Maryland law, any existing 287(g) agreements must be terminated promptly. The legislation clarifies that this prohibition does not impede the state or local jurisdictions from cooperating with federal agencies on matters of shared public safety concerns, particularly those involving the apprehension and removal of violent offenders who pose a risk to the community. Furthermore, it does not alter existing state policies regarding immigration detainers issued by DHS or prevent authorities from notifying ICE about the upcoming release of individuals of interest from custody, or coordinating the secure transfer of custody within legal boundaries. State and local law enforcement will also continue to collaborate with federal partners on criminal investigations and joint task forces that are separate from civil immigration enforcement activities. The measure reaffirms that individuals charged with crimes are entitled to due process and must complete their sentences if convicted.

The governor stated that the new law upholds constitutional rights and responsible policing, emphasizing that Maryland will not permit the deputization of its law enforcement officers for immigration enforcement actions that could erode trust between communities and the police. The administration indicated a commitment to working with federal partners on issues concerning violent offenders but drew a firm boundary regarding the blurring of state and federal authority in a manner that could harm community relations. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the personal significance of the bill, emphasizing that immigrants contribute to Maryland’s strength and that communities are safer when all residents feel protected and valued.

“In Maryland, we defend Constitutional rights and Constitutional policing—and we will not allow untrained, unqualified, and unaccountable ICE agents to deputize our law enforcement officers,” said Gov. Moore. “This bill draws a clear line: we will continue to work with federal partners to hold violent offenders accountable, but we refuse to blur the lines between state and federal authority in ways that undermine the trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Maryland is a community of immigrants, and that’s one of our greatest strengths because this country is incomplete without each and every one of us.”

However, Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said this won’t prevent the Sheriff’s Office from working with ICE.

“We will continue to work with our federal partners to identify and assist in the removal of individuals who have committed crimes in our community and are subject to federal immigration enforcement. These actions may now take place in our communities outside the safety of our detention center,” said Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert in a social media statement. “As your elected Sheriff the safety of our community remains our top priority. Although the formal 287(g) agreement is no longer permitted under state law, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to support lawful efforts to remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety through appropriate coordination with DHS/ICE.”

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore and Albert for Sheriff Facebook page.

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