Maryland lawmakers discuss ending 287(g) programs amid immigrant safety concerns

Maryland's General Assembly is moving forward with significant changes to its immigration enforcement policies, as discussions in the Judicial Proceedings Committee on March 27, 2025, highlighted the potential end of the 287(g) program in the state. This program currently allows local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, specifically ICE, to detain individuals based on their immigration status.

The proposed legislation aims to eliminate these agreements, which have been a point of contention among lawmakers and community advocates. Proponents argue that ending the 287(g) program will foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, allowing residents to feel safer in reporting crimes without fear of deportation. They emphasize that the bill does not prevent cooperation with ICE in cases involving serious crimes, as local jurisdictions would still be required to notify ICE prior to the release of individuals convicted of violent offenses or DUIs.

During the session, lawmakers debated the implications of the bill, particularly its alignment with federal immigration policies and the potential impact on public safety. Some committee members expressed concerns that ending the 287(g) program could hinder local law enforcement's ability to address gang violence and other serious crimes, citing recent arrests of high-profile gang members in Maryland.

The committee also discussed the operational differences between jurisdictions that currently participate in the 287(g) program and those that do not. For instance, Montgomery County has been noted for its cooperation with ICE without formally signing a 287(g) agreement, focusing instead on notifying ICE of individuals' releases without holding them longer than necessary.

As the bill progresses, its supporters are hopeful that it will lead to a more equitable approach to immigration enforcement in Maryland, while critics remain wary of its potential effects on crime rates and community safety. The outcome of this legislation could reshape the relationship between local law enforcement and immigrant communities across the state, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to public safety and civil rights.