Former Maryland Governor Criticizes End of 287(g) Immigration Agreements

Larry Hogan argues there should be a middle ground on immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Republican Governor Larry Hogan is criticizing current Maryland Governor Wes Moore's decision to sign emergency legislation banning 287(g) agreements in the state. The 287(g) program allowed local law enforcement to work with ICE to identify people in jails who could be deported. Hogan argued there should be a middle ground between the Trump administration and Democrats on immigration enforcement, saying violent criminals should not be released back onto the streets.

Why it matters

The end of the 287(g) program in Maryland is a significant policy shift that reflects the ongoing debate over the balance between immigration enforcement and civil liberties. Hogan's criticism highlights the political tensions around this issue, as Republicans generally favor stronger immigration enforcement while Democrats emphasize protecting immigrant communities.

The details

Nine Maryland counties were previously participating in the 287(g) program, which allowed local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE to identify people in jails who could potentially be deported. Governor Moore signed emergency legislation to ban these agreements, arguing they erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. However, Hogan believes there should be a middle ground, stating that violent criminals should not be released back onto the streets after being detained.

  • On February 19, 2026, former Governor Larry Hogan criticized the current Governor Wes Moore's decision to end the 287(g) agreements.
  • On an unspecified date, a group of Maryland sheriffs met and said they will continue to work with ICE informally, despite the ban on 287(g) agreements.

The players

Larry Hogan

The former Republican Governor of Maryland who is criticizing the current governor's decision to end the 287(g) immigration enforcement program.

Wes Moore

The current Democratic Governor of Maryland who signed emergency legislation to ban 287(g) agreements in the state.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that collaborated with local law enforcement through the 287(g) program to identify and detain undocumented immigrants.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I get the whole overreach and overstep and doing the wrong things, but when they have violent criminals that they're holding in jail that ICE wants to be detained, they shouldn't be let back on the streets. So there's two sides to this argument.”

— Larry Hogan, Former Governor of Maryland (POLITICO)

What’s next

The group of Maryland sheriffs who met to discuss continuing to work with ICE informally will likely continue to be a point of focus as the debate over the 287(g) program's end plays out.

The takeaway

The end of Maryland's 287(g) agreements highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration enforcement, with Republicans favoring stronger measures and Democrats emphasizing civil liberties and community trust. Hogan's criticism suggests the issue will remain contentious, with both sides seeking a middle ground that balances public safety and immigrant rights.