Local Leaders Defy Democrat-Run States' Crackdown on ICE Cooperation

Conservative officials vow to work around bans on assisting federal immigration authorities

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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As Democratic politicians in blue states move to shut down cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a rebellion is brewing among conservative local officials who say they will find ways to work around the restrictions. Several county executives and sheriffs have vowed to ignore or challenge the new state laws, arguing they have a duty to keep their communities safe and cooperate with federal agencies.

Why it matters

The clash between Democratic state leaders and conservative local officials highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement. The 287(g) agreements that allow local police to assist ICE have become a flashpoint, with Democrats seeking to end the programs while Republicans argue they are vital for public safety.

The details

In New York, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said he will "ignore" restrictions proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul to end 287(g) agreements. In Maryland, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins is considering a lawsuit if Gov. Wes Moore signs legislation to shut down the cooperative agreements. Sheriffs argue they have an independent duty to keep their constituents safe, which would be undermined by state laws prohibiting cooperation with ICE. The White House has vowed to legally support county officials who challenge their Democratic-led state governments on this issue.

  • On February 9, 2026, The Washington Times published this report on the growing clash between Democratic state leaders and conservative local officials over cooperation with ICE.

The players

Steve McLaughlin

The Republican county executive of Rensselaer County, New York, who has vowed to "ignore" state restrictions on 287(g) agreements with ICE.

Chuck Jenkins

The sheriff of Frederick County, Maryland, who is considering a lawsuit if the state passes legislation to shut down cooperative agreements between local law enforcement and ICE.

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York who has proposed ending 287(g) agreements between local police and ICE in the state.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who is expected to sign legislation to prohibit cooperative agreements between local sheriffs and ICE.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who said the Biden administration will legally support county officials who challenge their Democratic-led state governments over cooperation with ICE.

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What they’re saying

“She's endangering my residents. I'm not going to stand for it. I really couldn't care less what she or the legislature says.”

— Steve McLaughlin, Rensselaer County Executive (The Washington Times)

“Listen, every single day we work with other federal agencies, the U.S. Marshals, the FBI, the Secret Service. We have memorandums of agreement with a lot of these agencies. What's any different than cooperating with ICE?”

— Chuck Jenkins, Frederick County Sheriff (The Washington Times)

“Absolutely. And if there is a county in this country, whether it's red or blue that seeks to cooperate with the federal government to remove violent illegal criminal aliens from their communities, this administration is here to help.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (The Washington Times)

What’s next

Sheriff Jenkins is considering a lawsuit if the Maryland legislature's bill to prohibit 287(g) agreements is signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore.

The takeaway

This clash over local cooperation with ICE reflects the deep political divisions over immigration enforcement, with Democratic state leaders seeking to limit the role of local law enforcement while conservative county officials argue they have a duty to work with federal agencies to protect public safety.