Maryland Law Enforcement’s ICE Cooperation Efforts Continue
Maryland’s initiative to cease local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has encountered a hurdle. Many sheriffs are opting to find alternative methods to comply with state regulations.
After Governor Wes Moore recently enacted a bill terminating the 287(g) cooperative agreement, sheriffs from nine counties expressed their intention to maintain collaboration with federal immigration authorities. This program had allowed local police departments to work closely with ICE.
Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins mentioned that “we can continue to work with ICE without necessarily participating in the program.” He explained that law enforcement can still hold individuals in custody for up to 48 hours and inform ICE about upcoming releases. Additionally, they can share a list of detainees for review.
Frederick County, noted for having the oldest 287(g) program in the nation, has reportedly helped ICE by turning over around 1,890 undocumented immigrants over its 18-year duration.
Other counties that had previously implemented 287(g) programs before the legislation includes Wicomico, Harford, Carroll, Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties.
Jenkins shared his concerns that barring local cooperation with ICE could escalate tensions between federal authorities and citizens who are already uneasy about how ICE handles deportations.
He expressed, “This was all passed because of this administration… What we’re going to see by not turning these criminals over to ICE in prison and releasing them over time is ICE coming out onto the streets to arrest them.”
Fox News Digital attempted to connect with Governor Moore regarding the sheriffs’ plans to persist in collaborating with federal authorities but did not receive a direct response. Meanwhile, Moore’s representatives indicated that the new legislation does not obstruct communication with ICE when it comes to any impending releases of individuals deemed a concern.
Looking ahead, Maryland lawmakers are set to introduce additional restrictions on collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE next week, which could potentially render the workaround Jenkins described illegal.
