Several Maryland sheriffs drop ICE partnerships amid immigration debate

Local law enforcement agencies may partner with ICE through the 287(g) program, which deputizes local officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement tasks. These agreements have long been contested, with opponents citing concerns about community trust and civil liberties, while proponents argue they strengthen enforcement capacity. The debate has sharpened as federal immigration priorities have shifted, prompting jurisdictions across the country to reassess their level of cooperation. Maryland counties have varied considerably in their approaches to immigration enforcement, and individual sheriffs retain significant discretion over participation in federal programs. The latest terminations add to a pattern seen in other states where local officials have moved to distance their offices from ICE operations amid political and community pressure.