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Maryland House passes HB 444, banning certain local agreements with federal immigration enforcement
Summary
After hours of floor debate, the House passed HB 444 (99–40), a bill prohibiting local agreements with federal immigration-enforcement programs often referred to as 287(g). Supporters said it protects communities and victims; opponents warned it would hinder county law enforcement and jail-based cooperation.
The Maryland House of Delegates passed House Bill 444 on third reader and final passage by a roll call of 99 in favor and 40 opposed, declaring the measure passed on Feb. 3, 2026. The bill would prohibit local memoranda or agreements that deputize state or local officers to carry out federal immigration-enforcement functions associated with 287(g)-style programs.
Supporters framed the vote as a public-safety and civil‑rights measure that restores trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. A member who spoke in favor said the bill “is about ensuring that law enforcement, state and local law enforcement do exactly what…
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