Maryland Sheriffs Vow to Fight Bill Banning 287G Agreements with ICE

Sheriffs say the proposed law would undermine public safety and communication with federal immigration authorities.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Maryland sheriffs who participate in a federal immigration enforcement partnership known as 287(g) agreements have vowed to challenge a bill awaiting the governor's signature that would ban these agreements statewide. The sheriffs argue the bill is unconstitutional and would put Maryland at risk by reducing communication between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why it matters

The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to screen inmates and identify those who may be in the country illegally. Sheriffs argue this partnership is crucial for public safety, while critics say it unfairly targets immigrant communities. The proposed ban reflects a broader debate over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement.

The details

Senate Bill 245 would prohibit 287(g) agreements between Maryland law enforcement agencies and ICE. Nine jurisdictions in the state currently have these agreements, which the sheriffs say allow them to effectively communicate with federal immigration authorities. The sheriffs vow to take legal action if the governor signs the bill into law, arguing it violates their constitutional authorities.

  • Senate Bill 245 is currently awaiting the governor's signature.
  • The bill is described as an 'emergency measure' that would take effect immediately if signed into law.

The players

Chuck Jenkins

The sheriff of Frederick County, Maryland, who participates in the 287(g) program and says his office will challenge the proposed ban in court.

Jeff Gahler

The sheriff of Harford County, Maryland, another jurisdiction that uses the 287(g) program, who argues the bill would not remove ICE from the state and could increase their presence in neighborhoods.

Jim DeWees

The sheriff of Carroll County, Maryland, who says he will continue working with ICE regardless of whether the bill becomes law, criticizing lawmakers for not providing an alternative to the 287(g) program.

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What they’re saying

“What I think our challenge is a sheriff, as sheriffs, I think the challenge here is for us to find legal representation to get this into the courts.”

— Chuck Jenkins, Sheriff of Frederick County (foxbaltimore.com)

“Doing away with 287(g) has been sold by some legislators as the solution to getting ICE out of Maryland. The opposite will happen. You will still see ICE, probably in greater numbers, doing the mission that they are lawfully required and charged to do.”

— Jeff Gahler, Sheriff of Harford County (foxbaltimore.com)

“Absolutely I will continue to work with ICE. The bill bans the agreements, and in typical Annapolis fashion, they supply no alternative.”

— Jim DeWees, Sheriff of Carroll County (foxbaltimore.com)

What’s next

As of now, there has been no word from the Maryland governor on whether he intends to sign the ban on 287(g) agreements into law.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, with sheriffs arguing the 287(g) program is crucial for public safety while critics say it unfairly targets immigrant communities. The proposed ban reflects the broader political divide over the role of local police in immigration enforcement.