Maryland House Pauses Debate on Bill to Ban 287(g) Immigration Agreements

Governor's stance on legislation remains unclear as Senate advances similar bill

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Maryland House of Delegates abruptly paused debate on a bill that would ban 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The Senate has advanced similar legislation, but the governor has not indicated whether he supports the bills. Debate in the House was heated, with lawmakers arguing over whether the agreements help remove dangerous criminals or unfairly target those accused of minor offenses.

Why it matters

The 287(g) agreements have been a controversial issue in Maryland, with supporters arguing they help remove violent offenders and critics saying they ensnare people accused of minor crimes. The outcome of this legislation could have significant impacts on immigration enforcement and community relations in the state.

The details

Eight Maryland jurisdictions currently have 287(g) agreements that allow local jails to check detainees' immigration status and turn undocumented individuals over to ICE for deportation. Another 287(g) model deputizes local officers to help ICE execute warrants for undocumented immigrants. The House bill to ban these agreements generated spirited debate, with lawmakers arguing over whether the agreements help public safety or unfairly target the accused.

  • The Maryland Senate advanced legislation to ban 287(g) agreements.
  • The House of Delegates hit the pause button on a similar bill on January 31, 2026.

The players

David Moon

House Majority Leader, D-District 20 in Montgomery County.

Jesse Pippy

House Minority Whip, R-District 4 in Frederick County, where the sheriff has expressed support for 287(g) agreements.

C.T. Wilson

Delegate, D-District 28 in Charles County.

Mike Griffith

Delegate, R-District 35A, whose district encompasses portions of Cecil and Harford counties.

Nicole Williams

House Deputy Majority Whip, D-District 22 in Prince George's County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'ICE is actually taking the opportunity to deport people before they had their trial and before they have done their time. Why wouldn't we wait until afterward?'”

— David Moon, House Majority Leader

“'So, you are telling me that you want someone coming to a local jail that has just committed the worst offense in our states, we want to make a sanctuary for that person?'”

— Jesse Pippy, House Minority Whip

“'If somebody does something to my child, I want them to have their due process because it means, at the end of the day, I want them to be punished. There's no guarantee that if they are sent back to their country of origin that they won't immediately be set free.'”

— C.T. Wilson, Delegate

“'This shows the 287(g) program does not prohibit individuals from facing justice here in the United States or here in Maryland.'”

— Mike Griffith, Delegate

“'The gentleman who killed her was arrested but not arrested because of a 287(g) agreement. He was arrested because of good policing.'”

— Nicole Williams, House Deputy Majority Whip

What’s next

The House is expected to resume debate on the bill banning 287(g) agreements next week. The Senate's version of the bill has been turned into emergency legislation, meaning it would take effect immediately if signed by the governor.

The takeaway

The debate over 287(g) agreements in Maryland highlights the ongoing tensions between public safety, immigration enforcement, and community relations. The outcome of this legislation could have significant impacts on how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities in the state.