Maryland's House, Senate pass bills banning 287(g) agreements

Annapolis, Md.:

Maryland’s House and Senate have passed emergency legislation to prohibit local jurisdictions from entering into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a move that sparked extensive debate in both chambers. The bills advanced more quickly than is typical for the legislative session and were passed largely along party lines.

During Senate debate, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey raised concerns about public safety and sought clarification on whether local law enforcement could continue informal cooperation with federal immigration authorities if formal 287(g) agreements are banned. Democratic leaders responded that while jurisdictions cannot enter into such agreements, they may still act within constitutional and legal limits.

The Senate also passed a related bill restricting law enforcement officers from using face coverings in certain circumstances.