Maryland Sheriffs Defy Governor's Order to End ICE Agreements

Sheriffs say they will continue cooperating with federal immigration authorities despite new state law banning 287(g) agreements.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Several Maryland sheriffs have vowed to continue working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite a new state law signed by Governor Wes Moore that bans the 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements. The sheriffs say they will find ways to keep collaborating with ICE, arguing the law is a "betrayal to law enforcement" and a "violation" of their oath of office.

Why it matters

The standoff between the sheriffs and the governor highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration enforcement, with local law enforcement officials resisting efforts to limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This could lead to legal challenges and further conflict between state and local officials.

The details

On Tuesday, Governor Wes Moore signed emergency legislation to ban the 287(g) agreements in Maryland, which allow local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents. However, several sheriffs, including those from Carroll, Wicomico, and Harford counties, have stated they will continue communicating and cooperating with ICE, defying the new state law. The sheriffs argue the ban is a "betrayal" and a "violation" of their duties, and they plan to "take every avenue to protect Marylanders."

  • On February 18, 2026, Governor Wes Moore signed emergency legislation to ban the 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements in Maryland.
  • Immediately after the law was signed, several Maryland sheriffs announced they would continue working with ICE despite the ban.

The players

Governor Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland who signed the emergency legislation to ban 287(g) agreements in the state.

Jim DeWees

The sheriff of Carroll County, Maryland, who said he has spoken with ICE and will continue cooperating with the federal agency.

Mike Lewis

The sheriff of Wicomico County, Maryland, who called the 287(g) ban "the biggest betrayal to law enforcement" he has ever seen.

Jeff Gahler

The sheriff of Harford County, Maryland, who has voiced support for 287(g) agreements and believes the ban is a violation of his oath of office.

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What they’re saying

“No politician is going to tell me that I can't communicate with another law enforcement agency.”

— Jim DeWees, Carroll County Sheriff (wbal.com)

“The 287(g) ban is 'the biggest betrayal to law enforcement I have ever seen.'”

— Mike Lewis, Wicomico County Sheriff (wbal.com)

“They've done politics with public safety and that's shameful. I believe it to be a violation of their oath of office.”

— Jeff Gahler, Harford County Sheriff (wbal.com)

What’s next

The standoff between the sheriffs and the governor could lead to legal challenges and further conflict over immigration enforcement policies in Maryland.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration enforcement, with local law enforcement officials resisting efforts to limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, even in the face of new state laws.