Prince George’s County Political Updates

April 29, 2026

Maryland's Democratic-controlled legislature has enacted significant protections for immigrant communities by passing the Community Trust Act, which restricts local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Additionally, Governor Wes Moore signed emergency legislation in February 2026 banning 287(g) agreements between Maryland police and ICE. At the county level, Prince George's Council members are working to prevent ICE detention facilities from opening in their jurisdiction through new legislative proposals.

Who is affected

Immigrant communities in Maryland, particularly multiracial immigrant populations
Residents of Prince George's, Howard, and Washington counties
Local law enforcement agencies in Maryland
Over 100,000 Americans living with sickle cell disease (more than 90% of whom are Black)
The Black community disproportionately impacted by sickle cell disease
Families and individuals facing potential immigration detention

What action is being taken

The Prince George's Council is considering legislation to prevent immigration detention centers in the county
Councilmember Wala Blegay is sponsoring a bill to prevent privately owned buildings from being converted into detention centers
Councilmember Jolene Ivey is sponsoring legislation to close loopholes that could allow detention centers
Rep. Glenn Ivey and Rep. Rich McCormick are relaunching the Sickle Cell Disease Caucus

Why it matters

This matters because it represents state and local governments asserting their authority to protect vulnerable populations amid controversial federal immigration enforcement policies. The Community Trust Act and related measures aim to maintain public safety by fostering trust between immigrant communities and local police, ensuring people seek help without fear of deportation. The sickle cell initiative addresses a historically underfunded disease that disproportionately affects Black Americans, who face significantly shortened life expectancy, particularly urgent given recent federal budget cuts to research and limited access to gene therapy treatments.

What's next

The Prince George's Council will vote on proposed legislation to prevent detention centers
The relaunched Sickle Cell Disease Caucus will work to build bipartisan support for legislation and federal funding addressing sickle cell disease needs

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer