Baltimore Mayor Vows Preparation Amid ICE Concerns

Scott says city will do 'whatever we can' to avoid ICE actions seen elsewhere

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:18pm

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As concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are rising across the political spectrum, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott discussed the topic on a local radio show. Scott expressed concerns over potential ICE actions that could target long-term residents who are 'living here and working here peacefully for all these years, paying taxes, sending their kids to school, helping with jobs that other folks don't want to do.' The mayor stated that Baltimore will be 'prepared' to respond and 'do whatever we can to not have some of the stuff that we've seen around the country' regarding ICE enforcement. Scott also addressed the city's recent progress on crime reduction, crediting the community's partnership with police.

Why it matters

The debate over ICE's role and enforcement actions has become increasingly polarized, with concerns from immigrant advocates and some political leaders about the impact on long-term residents. As a major city, Baltimore's response could set an example for how other municipalities handle potential ICE activity in their communities.

The details

Mayor Scott's comments came during an interview on the 'C4 and Bryan Nehman' radio show, where he was asked if the city was expecting an 'ICE surge.' The mayor responded that Baltimore would 'be prepared' to address any such actions, without providing specifics. Scott also used the interview to highlight the city's progress on reducing crime rates, crediting the community's partnership with police as key to those improvements.

  • Mayor Scott's interview aired on March 12, 2026.

The players

Brandon Scott

The current mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, who has served in that role since 2020.

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What they’re saying

“For people that have just been living here and working here peacefully for all these years, paying taxes, sending their kids to school, helping with jobs that other folks don't want to do, why would we be removing these folks?”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (WBAL)

“We're going to be prepared in Baltimore to do whatever we can to not have some of the stuff that we've seen around the country.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (WBAL)

The takeaway

Mayor Scott's comments reflect the growing tensions over ICE enforcement actions and the role of local governments in responding to federal immigration policies. His pledge to prepare Baltimore for potential ICE activity highlights the complex dynamics city leaders face in balancing public safety, community relations, and immigration enforcement.