Maryland Passes Bills to Ban ICE Cooperation Agreements

State legislature approves measures to end 287(g) deals with federal immigration agency

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The Maryland House and Senate have both passed versions of bills to ban 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation would prohibit the eight Maryland jurisdictions that currently have these agreements from continuing to check detainees' immigration status and turn undocumented individuals over to ICE for deportation. The bills now head to reconciliation between the chambers before going to the governor's desk.

Why it matters

The 287(g) agreements have been controversial, with critics arguing they undermine community trust in local police and make immigrant communities less safe by discouraging cooperation with law enforcement. Supporters say the deals help federal immigration authorities identify and remove dangerous criminals, but opponents counter that the agreements cast too wide a net and lead to the deportation of non-violent offenders.

The details

The House version of the bill, HB 444, passed by a 99-40 vote, while the Senate's SB 245 (emergency legislation) passed 32-12. Another bill, SB 1, would require a state commission to develop a policy banning the use of face coverings by police while on duty, though the state attorney general has indicated this legislation may be unconstitutional.

  • The Maryland House and Senate both passed their versions of the 287(g) ban bills on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • The bills now head to reconciliation between the two chambers before going to Governor Wes Moore's desk for signature or veto.

The players

Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland, who has not publicly stated whether he supports the 287(g) ban bills.

Anthony Brown

The Maryland Attorney General, who issued an advisory letter indicating the proposed ban on police face coverings may be unconstitutional.

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What they’re saying

“Gov. Moore is gravely concerned about ICE's actions in this state and across the country under the Trump-Vance administration. Instead of focusing on violent offenders or public safety, the federal administration has wrecked chaos and made communities less safe. The governor has made crystal clear: Maryland has no place for agents who are untrained, unqualified and unaccountable.”

— Governor's Office

What’s next

The 287(g) ban bills will now go through a reconciliation process between the Maryland House and Senate before being sent to Governor Wes Moore for his signature or veto.

The takeaway

Maryland's move to ban 287(g) agreements reflects a growing national trend of states and localities seeking to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The legislation aims to build trust between immigrant communities and police, though supporters of the 287(g) program argue it helps identify and remove dangerous criminals.