ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Sheriffs from across Maryland gathered to voice strong opposition to a bill that would end local cooperation with federal immigration authorities through the 287(g) program, WBFF reported.
The bill, HB122, recently passed the Maryland House of Delegates and now heads to the Senate for further debate, according to the report.
If enacted, the bill would prohibit local law enforcement agencies from partnering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold noncitizens in custody at ICE’s request. The 287(g) program allows correctional officers to identify and detain undocumented immigrants for up to 48 hours.
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, a vocal supporter of the program, said officers merely facilitate ICE processes.
“The 287(g) program, is a program that only exists in the jail, not on the street,” Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins stated. “We don’t make decisions. We don’t decide who is removed. We don’t decide who is detained. We facilitate a process, that’s all we do.”
Opponents of the bill, including sheriffs from Frederick, Harford and Cecil counties, argue that ending the program would compromise public safety and turn Maryland into a “sanctuary state,” according to the report. Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler and others said the cost of participating is minimal compared to the safety benefits.
Supporters of the bill, including sponsor Delegate Nicole Williams, argue the program creates fear within immigrant communities and lacks federal reimbursement despite requiring local resources. Williams pointed to Maryland’s $3.3 billion budget deficit as a reason to end the costly agreement.
Critics also raised concerns that rejecting federal immigration initiatives under President Donald Trump’s administration could put federal funding at risk, according to the report. Delegate William Folden called the bill a dangerous move, accusing its supporters of protecting criminals.
Since 2008, Frederick County — the nation’s longest-standing 287(g) participant — has turned over nearly 1,800 undocumented immigrants to ICE. ICE officials and local law enforcement claim many of these individuals are dangerous offenders, not low-level criminals, according to the report.
“It actually should be titled the ‘Place Maryland in Danger Act,’” Jenkins told WBFF. “What it’s going to do is invite every criminal, they can’t go to Virginia, can’t go to West Virginia, can’t go to the surrounding jurisdictions, to bring them into Maryland without consequence of being removed and deported from this country.”
