Several sheriffs in Maryland are committed to collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite opposition from the state’s Democratic governor.
Governor Wes Moore (D) is anticipated to approve legislation that would prohibit local police departments from entering into formal agreements with federal entities, a decision expected to stir some controversy, according to The Baltimore Sun.
This legislation aims to terminate the 287(g) agreements currently in place across eight counties in Maryland, as reported by CBS News.
The state recognizes two types of 287(g) agreements: one that allows correctional officers to notify ICE about noncitizens and detain them for 48 hours, and another that permits them to act on warrants against noncitizens already in custody.
Carroll County Sheriff James T. “Jim” DeWeese has expressed a strong position on ensuring the safety of local citizens.
“No politician or legislative group is going to dictate my communication with other law enforcement about community safety. I won’t back down,” he stated.
DeWeese also noted that the bill lacks alternative solutions. He plans to create a policy for his office to maintain cooperation with ICE, as mentioned by WBFF.
“This is all about politics. You can dress it up however you want; it’s just political. Democrats are against cooperating with ICE and don’t support enforcement,” said Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins, according to an article in the Sun.
Meanwhile, officials in Washington County, Maryland, have recently passed a resolution that fully supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and other law enforcement entities.
The resolution states:
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners declares its commitment to assist DHS and ICE in upholding the nation’s borders, maintaining the integrity of our immigration system, and ensuring respect and dignity for all individuals within our jurisdiction.
On Sunday, Moore asserted that ICE “misuses its budget to place untrained and unaccountable officers in communities, detaining children.” He believes this approach doesn’t enhance safety for communities or the country and stressed the need for accountability.
However, claims of ICE detaining a 5-year-old in Minnesota have been dismissed as misinformation shared by Democrats, according to Breitbart News.
The narrative gained traction after Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) shared a story where a school superintendent suggested that ICE take charge of a 5-year-old child being driven to school by his undocumented father.
“ICE just detained a 5-year-old. Don’t tell me this is the ‘worst of the worst.’ That’s a lie. Absolutely disgraceful,” Omar commented.
ICE officials explained they had to stay with the child, identified as Liam Ramos, after the father fled the scene when approached.
Another report indicated that ICE agents took custody of the boy in this situation.
Breitbart News also noted that as ICE enforces immigration laws by detaining various undocumented individuals, some are parents, and the agency is minimizing arrests to protect children until they can be placed with relatives.
Additionally, in January, Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced that Texas is motivating its sheriffs to work with ICE by offering up to $140,000 in funding tied to engagement in the federal 287(g) program.
