(The Center Square) – Immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities surfaced in Maryland’s State of the State address as lawmakers advanced legislation limiting certain agreements between local agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Gov. Wes Moore used the speech to acknowledge anxiety among some Maryland residents regarding federal immigration actions.
“Many Marylanders are terrified,” Moore said. “They worry about getting detained when they show up for work. They’re worried about whether or not federal agents are waiting for them when they drop their kids off at school.”
Moore framed immigration as a constitutional and community issue, telling lawmakers that Maryland must ensure state policies remain consistent with legal protections.
“Working together, I’m confident we can take meaningful steps to hold federal agents accountable for violating the Constitution and help those who have been harmed,” Moore said.
The remarks came as the General Assembly approved Senate Bill 245 and House Bill 444, cross-filed emergency measures addressing immigration enforcement partnerships.
The legislation prohibits state and local agencies from entering into specified immigration enforcement agreements and requires the termination of covered agreements. The measures focus on arrangements commonly known as 287(g) agreements, which allow local officers to perform limited federal immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision.
Senate Bill 245 passed the Senate 32–12; House Bill 444 went through the lower chamber 99–38. Both bills were designated as emergency legislation, meaning they would take effect upon enactment if signed.
Del. Matt Morgan, R-St. Mary’s, criticized the legislation, saying it would compel local law enforcement agencies to cancel agreements with federal immigration authorities.
“This isn’t public safety. It’s political pandering. Governor Moore must veto this dangerous legislation,” Morgan said.
