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Bill

HB 444

Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements - Prohibition

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 79 co-sponsors

Maryland bill prohibits state and local police from participating in federal immigration enforcement agreements, prioritizing community policing over deportation cooperation.

Second Reading Passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 444

Legislative bill overview

HB 444 prohibits Maryland from entering into or maintaining agreements with federal immigration enforcement agencies that would allow local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. The bill restricts the state's ability to participate in programs like ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) partnerships and 287(g) agreements that deputize local officers for immigration enforcement.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Maryland law enforcement resources are allocated and defines the relationship between state/local police and federal immigration authorities. It influences both public safety priorities and the lived experience of immigrant communities, as it determines whether local police focus on immigration enforcement or community policing.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation debate: Opponents argue immigration enforcement partnerships help remove dangerous criminals; supporters contend they divert limited police resources from local crime prevention and damage community trust needed for effective policing
  • Sanctuary jurisdiction concerns: Critics worry this limits federal cooperation and may strain federal-state relationships; supporters see it as protecting residents from mass deportation enforcement
  • Local law enforcement autonomy: Disputes over whether state mandates override individual police departments' operational decisions and relationships with federal partners

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

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