A group of Maryland state senators has introduced legislation that would bar state and local agencies from participating in federal civil‑immigration enforcement programs, marking a significant shift in how Maryland jurisdictions interact with federal authorities.
Senate Bill 245, sponsored by Senators Smith, Ferguson, and Lewis Young, would prohibit the State, counties, municipalities, and sheriffs’ offices from entering into any “immigration enforcement agreement” with the federal government. The bill defines such agreements broadly, covering contracts, intergovernmental service agreements, and memoranda of understanding that authorize local officials to enforce federal civil‑immigration law. This includes arrangements made under federal statutes such as 8 U.S.C. § 1103 and 8 U.S.C. § 1357, which underpin programs like 287(g) partnerships between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Under the proposal, any Maryland jurisdiction currently participating in such an agreement would be required to terminate it no later than July 1, 2026. The bill does not alter criminal‑immigration enforcement or cooperation related to criminal investigations, focusing solely on civil‑immigration authority.
Supporters of the measure argue that local involvement in federal immigration enforcement erodes trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Opponents are likely to raise concerns about public‑safety impacts and the loss of local discretion.
If enacted, the law would take effect June 1, 2026, giving jurisdictions a narrow window to unwind existing agreements.
You can view a copy of the proposed bill here: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/sb/sb0245F.pdf
Ronald Pittore, Staff Writer
