WASHINGTON (AURN News) — A growing number of states are moving to block local police from cooperating with federal immigration agents, and Maryland is now at the center of that fight.
Maryland lawmakers have passed legislation that would ban local law enforcement agencies from entering into so-called 287(g) agreements — partnerships that allow police and sheriffs to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with immigration arrests.
If signed into law, the bill would immediately end ICE cooperation in nine Maryland sheriffs’ offices, including Frederick County. The push comes as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement nationwide.
Since Trump returned to office, ICE agreements with local police have surged, jumping from just over 130 to more than 1,300.
Administration officials argue that increased cooperation leads to fewer street arrests. However, civil rights groups say there is no evidence to support that claim, pointing to states such as Texas and Florida, where 287 participation remains high and aggressive street enforcement continues.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
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