House passes ban on certain local-federal immigration enforcement agreements
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Summary
After extended debate, the House passed Senate Bill 245 prohibiting certain local-federal immigration-enforcement cooperation (commonly discussed as 287(g)-style programs) by a 99-38 vote; supporters said it restores trust in community policing while opponents argued it limits law enforcement options for removing convicted offenders.
The Maryland House of Delegates on Feb. 11 passed Senate Bill 245 on third reading, a measure that prohibits local participation in certain agreements with federal immigration enforcement commonly discussed as 287(g)-style programs.
Supporters, including the majority leader (speaker 24) and delegates representing Prince George——s County and other jurisdictions, said the bill restores trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities and ensures victims will feel safe calling 911. The majority leader said the bill "means that you can call 911 anywhere in the state and not worry that you are calling ICE," framing the measure as a public-safety step to preserve community policing and victim cooperation.
Opponents, including several delegates from Baltimore and other counties, argued the agreements are an important tool to identify and remove criminal aliens and cited specific cases where federal involvement served to remove violent offenders. One delegate described an ICE apprehension and urged colleagues to protect law enforcement tools.
After floor debate and members explaining their votes, the chamber recorded 99 votes in the affirmative and 38 in the negative; the bill was declared passed with a constitutional majority.
What happens next: With passage in the House, the bill moves forward according to the legislative process (actions already taken on Feb. 11 include committee reassignment letters and additional scheduling).
