Maryland Ends Local ICE Partnerships as Governor Signs Emergency Immigration Law

February 18, 2026

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed emergency legislation that immediately prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement programs, specifically ending the state's involvement in the 287(g) program. The new law prevents Maryland jurisdictions from entering agreements that allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deputize local officers for civil immigration duties, though it still permits cooperation on criminal investigations and violent offender cases. Supporters argue the legislation protects immigrant communities and maintains trust between residents and police, while opponents, including Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins who had participated in the program since 2008, warn it will compromise public safety.

Who is affected

Immigrant communities in Maryland
State and local law enforcement agencies in Maryland
Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Maryland jurisdictions with existing 287(g) agreements (must terminate immediately)
Frederick County Sheriff's Office (participating since 2008)
Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller
Republican State Senator Justin Ready
Progressive Maryland and other immigrant rights advocacy organizations

What action is being taken

Governor Wes Moore is signing emergency legislation (Senate Bill 245 and House Bill 444)
Maryland jurisdictions with standing 287(g) agreements are terminating them immediately
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins is complying with the new law
State and local agencies are continuing to notify ICE about impending releases and coordinate transfers within constitutional limits for criminal investigations and violent offender cases

Why it matters

This legislation fundamentally changes the relationship between Maryland law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, representing a significant policy shift in how the state approaches immigration enforcement. The measure addresses the tension between public safety concerns and immigrant community trust, as supporters argue that separating local police from federal immigration duties encourages immigrants to report crimes and cooperate with investigations without fear. The law reflects Maryland's identity as an immigrant community while attempting to balance constitutional rights protection with continued cooperation on criminal matters involving violent offenders.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer