Baltimore City Council Introduces Measures to Limit ICE Enforcement

New bill and resolution aim to protect immigrant communities and restrict city cooperation with federal immigration agents.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Baltimore City Council has introduced two measures to address ICE enforcement in the city. The first is the "Safe Spaces and Communities Act" which would require city agencies to develop plans to protect residents when federal agents try to access information or private spaces in public buildings. The second is a resolution calling on state lawmakers to pass bills banning 287(g) agreements and prohibiting the use of face coverings by federal agents during immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

These measures are a response to concerns from immigrant communities about increased ICE arrests and detentions in Baltimore. The city is seeking to limit its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect sensitive locations like schools, libraries, and parks from ICE access.

The details

The "Safe Spaces and Communities Act" would limit city personnel, resources, and funds from being used to coordinate with ICE actions. It would also require city agencies to develop plans to protect residents when federal agents try to access information or private spaces in public buildings. The resolution calls on state lawmakers to pass bills banning 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to act as immigration agents, and prohibiting the use of face coverings by federal agents during immigration enforcement.

  • On Monday, sheriffs across Maryland urged Governor Wes Moore to veto emergency bills that would ban 287(g) agreements at the state level.
  • The measures were introduced in the Baltimore City Council on February 10, 2026.

The players

Odette Ramos

A Baltimore City Councilwoman representing District 14 and a lead sponsor of the measures.

Paris Gray

A Baltimore City Councilman representing District 8 and a lead sponsor of the measures.

Mark Parker

A Baltimore City Councilman representing District 1 and a lead sponsor of the measures.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland who is being urged to veto bills banning 287(g) agreements.

Baltimore City College student

A student who shared her family's experience with ICE detention and deportation, and expressed support for the council's measures.

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What they’re saying

“This policy would help protect students and families from discrimination based on immigration status, and limit unnecessary coordination with ICE in spaces that should be harmless.”

— Baltimore City College student (98online.com)

“This is an important time for our city, an important time in our nation, and we have to take a stand. It is not good for us to stay silent.”

— Odette Ramos, Baltimore City Councilwoman (98online.com)

What’s next

The measures will now go to a Baltimore City Council committee for further consideration.

The takeaway

Baltimore is taking proactive steps to protect its immigrant communities and limit the city's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, reflecting growing concerns about increased ICE activity and the impacts on local families.