Baltimore City Council to introduce legislation limiting ICE cooperation

New bills would restrict city resources and personnel from assisting federal immigration enforcement actions

Feb. 9, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Three Baltimore City Councilmembers are planning to introduce two measures on Monday regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The first bill, 'Baltimore City Policies and Procedures – Safe Spaces and Communities,' would limit ICE activity in city-owned public spaces and restrict city resources and personnel from coordinating with ICE. The second resolution would support state legislation banning 287(g) agreements that allow local law enforcement to assist with federal immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to protect Baltimore's immigrant communities from aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics that have caused trauma and violated civil liberties. The city is seeking to limit cooperation with ICE and support state-level efforts to restrict 287(g) agreements that enable local law enforcement to aid federal immigration actions.

The details

The 'Baltimore City Policies and Procedures – Safe Spaces and Communities' bill would require the city to formulate a plan for limiting ICE activity in public spaces like buildings, schools, libraries and parks. It would also prohibit city resources and personnel from being used to coordinate with ICE, except in cases where ICE has a warrant signed by a judge. The second resolution would support two pieces of state legislation - one banning 287(g) agreements that allow local jails to check immigration status, and another requiring a state commission to develop a policy banning police from using face coverings while on duty.

  • The City Council plans to introduce these measures at their meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.
  • A news conference to discuss the legislation will be held at 4 p.m. on February 9th outside City Hall.

The players

Odette Ramos

Baltimore City Councilwoman representing the 14th District and a sponsor of the proposed legislation.

Paris Gray

Baltimore City Councilman representing the 8th District and a sponsor of the proposed legislation.

Mark Parker

Baltimore City Councilman representing the 1st District and a sponsor of the proposed legislation.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement that the proposed legislation aims to limit cooperation with.

287(g) agreements

Agreements that allow local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities, which the proposed state legislation aims to ban.

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What they’re saying

“Basically, codifying all of our executive orders and the BPD policies and everything that we've always said already. We're a welcoming city, that our police department does not cooperate with ICE.”

— Odette Ramos, Baltimore City Councilwoman

“Baltimore will not stand by while our communities continue to be harmed and our residents' civil liberties and due process are violated. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure that government actions are both effective and lawful.”

— Paris Gray, Baltimore City Councilmember

“When our immigrant families thrive, Baltimore thrives, and when they are threatened, so is the social fabric of our city. We are in this together, and so we must do everything possible to care for one another and protect our communities.”

— Mark Parker, Baltimore City Councilmember

What’s next

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed legislation at their meeting on Monday, February 9th. If passed, the bills would then go to the mayor for signature to become city ordinances.

The takeaway

Baltimore is taking a strong stance to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect the rights and wellbeing of its immigrant communities, even as the federal government continues aggressive tactics that have caused harm. The city is codifying its existing policies and supporting state-level efforts to further restrict local law enforcement's ability to assist ICE.