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Heated hearing as Maryland panel considers ban on 287(g) immigration agreements
Summary
HB 444, which would prohibit certain local participation in federal 287(g) immigration-enforcement agreements, drew wide public testimony Jan. 27: advocates argued the agreements cause racial profiling and community fear, while sheriffs and county executives said jail-based cooperation removes dangerous offenders and protects public safety.
Delegate Nicole Williams urged the House Judiciary Committee to issue a favorable report on HB 444, legislation to prohibit certain voluntary local agreements with ICE commonly referred to in testimony as "287(g)" agreements.
Supporters — including the comptroller, civil-rights groups, immigrant-rights organizations, public defenders and a broad roster of community witnesses — argued the agreements undermine trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, chill reporting of crimes, and expose municipalities to civil-liability risk. Comptroller Brooke Lierman cited economic arguments, saying immigrants comprise about 17% of Maryland’s population and contribute…
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