Several Maryland sheriffs end ICE partnerships amid immigration debate

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (7News) — Several Maryland sheriff’s offices are ending their partnerships with federal immigration authorities following new state restrictions passed earlier this year, while some law enforcement leaders are now considering legal action over another immigration bill still awaiting the governor’s decision.

The changes center around the federal 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to work directly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on certain immigration enforcement efforts.

According to Maryland Matters, at least seven of the nine Maryland counties that previously participated in the program have now withdrawn from those agreements, including Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Cecil and St. Mary’s.

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The shift follows an emergency law signed earlier this year that immediately restricted participation in 287(g) agreements and gave agencies 90 days to end those partnerships.

Now attention is turning to the proposed Community Trust Act, legislation awaiting action from Gov. Wes Moore. The bill would limit when local law enforcement agencies can hold someone for ICE without a judicial warrant.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure would help strengthen trust between immigrant communities and local police. But several sheriffs argue the restrictions could interfere with public safety and cooperation with federal authorities.

Jeffrey Gahler, the sheriff in Harford County, is among those urging the governor to veto the bill.

“Even if we have a dangerous individual in our jails, someone who has already proven they have no respect for our laws, this bill ties our hands,” Gahler said. “It creates a don’t ask, don’t tell policy for criminals.”

Some sheriffs have also indicated they are reviewing potential legal options if the Community Trust Act becomes law.

Gov. Moore has not yet announced whether he plans to sign the legislation, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.