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SB 245

Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements - Prohibition

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Ferguson and 2 co-sponsors

Maryland prohibits local law enforcement from entering immigration enforcement agreements with federal authorities, limiting police cooperation with ICE operations.

Referred Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 245

Legislative bill overview

SB 245 prohibits Maryland law enforcement agencies from entering into or maintaining agreements with federal immigration authorities that would require local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. The bill restricts cooperation between state/local police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), effectively limiting "287(g) agreements" that deputize local officers as immigration enforcers.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts how local police departments operate and their relationship with federal immigration enforcement. It affects both public safety strategy (whether local resources focus on immigration vs. community crimes) and immigrant communities' trust in local law enforcement, which can influence crime reporting and community policing effectiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety trade-offs: Opponents argue local enforcement cooperation with ICE enhances security; supporters counter it diverts resources from local crime and erodes immigrant community trust with police
  • Federal-state authority: Questions about whether states can restrict local participation in federal programs, and whether this conflicts with federal immigration enforcement priorities
  • Practical enforcement: Unclear how the prohibition applies to situations where local officers encounter immigration violations during routine stops, and what information-sharing remains permissible

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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