Nikita Baker of ICE discusses Maryland's 287g program to combat violent criminal aliens

The Maryland General Assembly's Judicial Proceedings Committee convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss House Bill related to immigration enforcement. The session featured testimony from Nikita Baker, the acting field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maryland, who provided insights into the agency's operations and the importance of the 287(g) program.

Baker emphasized that the 287(g) agreements allow local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE, enabling the identification and apprehension of violent criminal aliens. She highlighted a recent case where ICE arrested a high-ranking gang member who had been released from local custody without the agency's knowledge. This incident underscored the program's role in enhancing public safety by preventing the release of individuals who pose a threat to communities.

Currently, Maryland utilizes two models of the 287(g) program: the jail enforcement model and the warrant service officer program. Baker explained that these models focus on screening individuals already in custody, ensuring that only those arrested by local law enforcement are evaluated for potential immigration violations. She noted that without the 287(g) program, many criminal aliens could be released back into the community, potentially leading to further criminal activity.

The session concluded without further questions from committee members, marking the end of the day's hearings. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to address public safety concerns through immigration enforcement collaboration in Maryland.