Baltimore City Council Advances Bill Limiting Cooperation with ICE

The proposed legislation would restrict the city's interactions with federal immigration authorities.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Baltimore City Council's public safety committee has approved a bill that would limit the city's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill requires the Baltimore Police Department to record any interactions with ICE agents on body cameras and bars ICE from using any city building or property without a warrant signed by a federal judge.

Why it matters

The move comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of immigrant families and individuals by federal immigration authorities. The bill is part of a broader effort by the city to distance itself from ICE operations and protect vulnerable immigrant communities.

The details

The approved bill would mandate that the Baltimore Police Department record all interactions with ICE agents on body cameras. It would also prohibit ICE from using any city-owned buildings, parks, or other properties without a warrant signed by a federal judge.

  • The bill was introduced and approved by the public safety committee on March 23, 2026.
  • Last week, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued an executive order barring ICE from using city property, information, or equipment without a federal court order.

The players

Mark Conway

The chair of the Baltimore City Council's public safety committee, who stated that the bill is "a matter of humanity" to prevent the mistreatment of immigrant families.

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore, who issued an executive order last week restricting ICE's use of city resources.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is just a matter of humanity. Families are being torn apart. People are being mistreated. People are being mishandled. People are being detained and not being treated as human beings, and that is completely unacceptable.”

— Mark Conway, Public Safety Committee Chair

What’s next

The bill now moves to the full Baltimore City Council for consideration and a final vote.

The takeaway

Baltimore's efforts to limit cooperation with ICE reflect a growing trend among cities and states to protect immigrant communities and distance themselves from federal immigration enforcement actions that are seen as inhumane and unjust.