Maryland House Passes Bill To Prohibit Local Immigration Enforcement Agreements

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s House of Delegates passed House Bill 444 on Feb. 3, legislation to sunset and prohibit 287g agreements in Maryland. 

287g agreements are partnerships between U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local or state law enforcement officers, allowing certain local officers to perform designated federal functions typically performed by ICE. The agreements train local officers to act as immigration enforcement in their communities. 

HB444 prohibits the state, a unit of local government, a county sheriff, or any agency, officer, employee, or agent of the State or a unit of local government from entering into an immigration enforcement agreement; and requiring the termination of an existing immigration enforcement agreement on or before July 1, 2026.

The bill was introduced by Delegate Nicole Williams of District 22. Williams released the following statement regarding the bill. 

“Today, the House of Delegates have taken a tremendous step forward inprotecting Maryland families and communities. As our federal governmentrelentlessly attacks immigrant families, here in Maryland we are saying ‘no more.’ Let us be clear, 287(g) agreements do not make our community safer, and instead breed mistrust and fear of law enforcement. Ending these agreements affirms our values as Marylanders: we love our neighbors and that we will defend our own. I am proud to see House Bill 444 pass out of the House of Delegates, and hope it is soon signed into law.”

The bill has moved onto the Maryland State Senate. It will have to pass the Senate before being referred to Governor Wes Moore to be signed into law.