ICE Partnerships Under Fire in Maryland

State AG threatens penalties — Counties push back

By Michael Phillips | MDBayNews

Wicomico County has put its proposed ICE cooperation agreement on ice — after Maryland’s Attorney General warned local law enforcement agencies could face civil and criminal penalties for helping federal immigration officials detain certain offenders.

The move comes as counties navigate conflicting political pressures:
✅ Public safety concerns
✅ Fear of lawsuits
✅ Annapolis’ shifting stance on immigration enforcement

Sheriff Mike Lewis said the AG’s guidance is “a warning shot” at officers trying to keep communities safe.

“This is Maryland politics at its best,” Lewis said.
“They’re punishing law enforcement for partnering with ICE.”

But other counties — including Carroll, Harford, and Frederick — say they’re not backing down.

---

⚖️ WHY THIS MATTERS

A breakdown of ICE detainer data shows:

• 9 in 10 flagged cases involve serious crimes
• Repeat DUI, assault, and trafficking charges are common
• Local jails often become the last safeguard before reoffending

County leaders say the state’s policy puts the burden of risk squarely on local taxpayers and victims.

---

WHO’S CALLING THE SHOTS?

The AG’s office argues that local holds could violate defendants’ rights once state charges are resolved.

But sheriffs point to a larger question:

Who controls public safety in Maryland — local communities or state politics?

---

➤ THE BOTTOM LINE

This fight isn’t just about immigration.

It’s a power struggle between state officials prioritizing ideology — and counties focused on protecting neighborhoods.

MDBayNews will continue tracking county-by-county decisions as this battle unfolds.

📌 Follow @MDBayNews on X and subscribe for updates.