Maryland Lawmakers Revive Bill to Limit ICE Cooperation

Legislation aims to restrict federal immigration enforcement without judicial warrants, sparking debate in final days of session.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A moody, cinematic painting depicting a lone police car parked on a dimly lit city street, with a glowing neon sign casting warm light across the scene, conceptually representing the nuanced political debate over immigration policy.As tensions rise over the role of law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement, a quiet urban scene reflects the complex political dynamics at play.Annapolis Today

In the final days of the legislative session, Maryland Senate Democrats have revived the Community Trust Act, a bill that would prohibit state and local law enforcement from detaining individuals for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a judicial warrant. The move has raised questions from Republican lawmakers and opposition from some county sheriffs, who argue the legislation undermines public safety.

Why it matters

The bill is part of a broader effort by Maryland lawmakers to limit cooperation between state and local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. It follows the General Assembly's earlier ban on 287(g) agreements, which had allowed some jurisdictions to work directly with ICE. Supporters argue the legislation is a matter of protecting due process and equal treatment under the law, while critics contend it will hamper legal immigration enforcement.

The details

The revived Community Trust Act would prohibit law enforcement from detaining people for ICE without a judicial warrant, with exceptions for those convicted of certain felonies. This comes after the General Assembly banned 287(g) agreements, which had allowed some Maryland jurisdictions to notify ICE when they had someone in custody who may face deportation. Senate President Bill Ferguson said the new legislation is a response to local officials discussing ways to defy the 287(g) ban.

  • The Community Trust Act was once thought to be dead this legislative session.
  • On Thursday evening, the bill was changed and revived in a late-night committee vote, sending it to the full Senate floor on Friday.
  • The House would need to pass the bill before the session ends on Monday at midnight.

The players

Bill Ferguson

Maryland Senate President, who said the legislation will ensure due process while balancing public safety needs.

Steve Hershey

Maryland Senate Minority Leader, who questioned how the bill was voted out of committee on Thursday evening.

Will Smith

Chairman of the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, who defended the open committee session where the bill was voted out.

Jim DeWees

Carroll County Sheriff, who opposes the legislation and urged the governor to veto it.

Wes Moore

Governor of Maryland, whose office did not immediately respond to questions about whether he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

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What they’re saying

“This legislation will ensure due process when people are charged with a crime, while balancing the absolute need for public safety.”

— Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President

“Was it on the website that there was going to be a voting session in the middle of our floor session last night?”

— Steve Hershey, Maryland Senate Minority Leader

“When we treat everyone with dignity, when we treat everyone equally under the law, we live up to our credo as the United State of America.”

— Will Smith, Chairman, Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee

“This is very typical of the super majority in Annapolis, to bring out legislation at the 11th hour where no one can contest it and force it down everyone's throat.”

— Jim DeWees, Carroll County Sheriff

What’s next

The House of Delegates would need to pass the Community Trust Act before the legislative session ends on Monday at midnight. Governor Wes Moore's office has not indicated whether he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

The takeaway

The revival of the Community Trust Act in the final days of the Maryland legislative session highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between protecting civil liberties and supporting law enforcement's ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The bill's supporters argue it is a matter of due process, while opponents contend it undermines public safety.