Wicomico Sheriff Threatens Lawsuit Over Maryland's 287(g) Ban

Sheriff says the new law will push ICE activity into neighborhoods and is exploring legal options.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:05pm

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Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis has vowed to take legal action against the state of Maryland after the legislature passed a law banning 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sheriff Lewis argues the new law will force ICE activity into local neighborhoods, raising public safety concerns.

Why it matters

The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities in detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants. Ending these agreements is part of a broader debate over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement, with proponents arguing it builds trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, while critics say it undermines public safety.

The details

Under the 287(g) program, local law enforcement officers are trained and authorized to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. Sheriff Lewis claims this allows his department to identify and remove dangerous criminal aliens from the community. However, immigrant advocates argue the program erodes trust between police and immigrant communities, making residents less likely to report crimes or cooperate with investigations.

  • On March 15, 2026, the Maryland legislature passed a law banning 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and ICE.
  • Sheriff Lewis has stated he will explore legal options to challenge the new law.

The players

Mike Lewis

The sheriff of Wicomico County, Maryland, who opposes the state's ban on 287(g) agreements with ICE.

Maryland Legislature

The state legislature that passed a law banning 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and ICE.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to have to take this to court. We're going to have to file a lawsuit.”

— Mike Lewis, Wicomico County Sheriff

What’s next

Sheriff Lewis has indicated he and other Maryland sheriffs are exploring legal options to challenge the state's 287(g) ban in court.

The takeaway

The debate over the 287(g) program highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement's role in those efforts. The new Maryland law reflects a shift away from local-federal cooperation on immigration, which some sheriffs argue will undermine public safety, while others see it as an important step in building trust with immigrant communities.