Maryland Senate Approves Ban on ICE 287(g) Agreements

The Maryland Senate has given preliminary approval to two bills designed to severely restrict federal immigration enforcement within the state. Senate Bill 245 would prohibit local law enforcement agencies from participating in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program, which currently allows several Maryland counties to hold undocumented suspects for deportation proceedings.

Bill Ferguson, the Maryland Senate President, defended the measures as necessary responses to federal operations he characterized as "unconstitutional and unlawful." The legislation gained momentum following federal agent shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. The Senate adopted an emergency amendment introduced by Senator Charles Sydnor, which would require the immediate termination of existing 287(g) agreements rather than waiting until July 1, 2026.

In a separate move, the Senate approved Senate Bill 1, which bans law enforcement officers and ICE agents from wearing face coverings, such as balaclavas or ski masks, while on duty. Violators could face a $1,500 civil penalty, though exceptions exist for undercover operations, health, or religious reasons.

Senate Democrats rejected several Republican-led amendments during the proceedings. These included proposals from Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. to let individual counties decide on cooperation and a proposal from Senate Whip Justin Ready to mandate the E-Verify system. The bills now move toward final votes in the Senate and the House.