Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill that would end cooperative agreements between local sheriff’s departments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of efforts to counter President Trump’s deportation policies. House Bill 1222, known as the Maryland Values Act, would ban 287(g) programs that allow ICE to collaborate with local law enforcement in performing immigration enforcement duties. The bill’s sponsor, Del. Nicole Williams, cited fear and safety concerns as reasons for the legislation, with some residents even keeping children out of school due to ICE worries. However, critics, including Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins, argue that ending the agreements could make communities less safe. The bill has already passed the Maryland House of Delegates and is set for a state Senate hearing. Despite concerns that ending the agreements would hamper ICE enforcement, Williams pointed to a recent ICE arrest in Hyattsville as evidence that the agency can still operate effectively without these programs. If the bill passes, existing agreements must be terminated by July 1.
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