Maryland Sheriffs Urge Governor to Reject ICE Cooperation Bill

Republican sheriffs from three counties ask Gov. Moore to oppose legislation ending local law enforcement's partnership with federal immigration authorities.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Republican sheriffs from Carroll, Frederick, and Harford counties in Maryland held a joint press conference on Monday to call on Governor Wes Moore to reject a proposed state bill that would end local law enforcement's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is part of a broader debate over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement. Supporters argue it would protect immigrant communities, while opponents say it hampers public safety efforts. The sheriffs' public message highlights the political tensions surrounding this issue in Maryland.

The details

At the press conference, the Republican sheriffs argued that ending the partnership between local law enforcement and ICE would undermine public safety efforts and make it more difficult to detain undocumented immigrants accused of committing crimes. They urged Governor Moore, a Democrat, to oppose the bill and maintain the current level of cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.

  • The press conference was held on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Governor Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who is being asked to reject a proposed state bill that would end local law enforcement's cooperation with ICE.

Republican Sheriffs

Sheriffs from Carroll, Frederick, and Harford counties in Maryland who held a joint press conference to call on Governor Moore to oppose the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The proposed bill is currently under consideration by the Maryland state legislature. Governor Moore will need to decide whether to sign or veto the legislation in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This dispute over local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding immigration policy in the United States, even at the state and local level.