Maryland State Senate President Bill Ferguson recently expressed his support for efforts to eliminate 287(g) agreements, which enable local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration enforcement.
Opponents of the 287(g) agreements, which permit local police, sheriff’s departments, and jails to work alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, have announced their renewed commitment to pushing for statewide legislation aimed at banning these agreements.
Senate President Bill Ferguson has pledged his involvement in this initiative.
In a recent social media update, Ferguson voiced his concerns about what he described as the “lawlessness” associated with ICE’s enforcement actions. As reported by the Baltimore Banner, he intends to prioritize this issue in the upcoming 2026 General Assembly session in Annapolis, scheduled for January.
A similar proposal put forth in last year’s legislative session did not succeed.
Maryland State Delegate Nicole Williams, who represents areas in Prince George’s County with significant immigrant populations from South and Central America, as well as Haiti, Nigeria, and Cameroon, was present at a rally in Baltimore to announce the plans to ban the agreements.
“There is no evidence showing that the existence of these agreements actually improves law enforcement effectiveness,” she stated in an interview with WTOP.
Williams emphasized that these agreements instill fear within immigrant communities, making individuals less likely to report crimes. “Our aim is to cultivate an environment where people feel secure in interacting with law enforcement,” she added. “Our officers have successfully apprehended some of the most dangerous individuals without relying on these agreements.”
Currently, eight jurisdictions in Maryland maintain 287(g) agreements, including Frederick, Carroll, Washington, Allegany, Garrett, Harford, Cecil, and St. Mary’s counties.
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins is a vigorous advocate for the program, stating that it has been in place since 2008. “Frederick County is considerably safer because of this program,” Jenkins remarked. “Senate President Bill Ferguson is mistaken about this issue. Every Democrat in the legislature holds a wrong stance on this matter. They should allow counties wishing to implement the program to do so, enabling sheriffs to ensure the safety of their constituents.”
Jenkins firmly opposes any legislative efforts aimed at dismantling the program.
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