Baltimore, February 10, 2026
The Baltimore City Council has introduced two bills aimed at limiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within the city. The legislation seeks to protect local residents from federal immigration enforcement actions by mandating city agencies to restrict ICE’s presence in public facilities and banning local collaborations with ICE. This legislative movement supports a growing trend in Maryland to reassess local cooperation with federal immigration mandates, ensuring inclusivity for immigrant communities in Baltimore.
Baltimore City Council Moves to Limit ICE Activities
Baltimore, Maryland – The Baltimore City Council has introduced two bills aimed at restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within the city, marking a significant step in efforts to protect local residents from potential federal immigration enforcement actions.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation
The first bill, titled “Baltimore City Policies and Procedures – Safe Spaces and Communities,” mandates that city agencies create and implement protective plans to limit ICE’s presence in city-owned facilities – including offices, schools, libraries, and parks. It also strictly prohibits the use of city resources, personnel, or funds to collaborate with ICE actions within Baltimore.
The second bill proposes that the Maryland General Assembly enact legislation banning 287(g) agreements, which empower local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. This proposed legislation also seeks to ban federal law enforcement officials from wearing masks during immigration enforcement operations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Context and Background
These legislative proposals align with a growing movement in Maryland to limit local cooperation with ICE and federal immigration enforcement. Recent actions in the state’s House and Senate reflect a trend toward reevaluating how local authorities engage with these federal mandates. In several Maryland counties, 287(g) agreements are presently in effect, which would be terminated if the new legislation passes. Counties affected include Allegany, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Washington, and St. Mary’s.
Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen has expressed the urgency of these measures, emphasizing the need for city resources to serve all residents without prejudice. This is particularly crucial for individuals from immigrant communities, who often fear interaction with city services due to policy apprehensions.
Implications for Baltimore’s Immigrant Community
Through these new bills, the Council aims to create a more secure environment for immigrant residents by limiting ICE’s operational capacity within city facilities and ceasing local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement. This legislative trend signifies a commitment to rethinking the relationship between local and federal immigration policies and fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all residents.
Next Steps
The proposed bills will be evaluated in an upcoming City Council meeting, where they will undergo discussions and potential amendments. Should the Council approve them, they will move to the Maryland General Assembly, conforming with state-level initiatives to reduce local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
Related Developments
In Baltimore County, two recently passed bills aim to enhance protections for immigrant communities. These measures include establishing an Office of Immigrant Affairs and restricting county employees from aiding ICE agents in immigration enforcement. These bills await the approval of the county executive.
The unfolding of such legislative developments highlights a broader aim within Maryland to balance effective law enforcement with the protection of civil liberties for immigrant populations, solidifying community trust in local governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the two bills introduced by the Baltimore City Council?
The first bill, titled “Baltimore City Policies and Procedures – Safe Spaces and Communities,” requires city agencies to develop and implement plans to protect public spaces by limiting ICE activities in city-owned and operated facilities, including offices, schools, libraries, and parks. It also prohibits the use of city resources, personnel, or funds to coordinate or collaborate with ICE actions within Baltimore. The second bill advocates for the Maryland General Assembly to enact legislation that would ban 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement agencies and ICE and calls for a ban on federal law enforcement officials wearing masks during immigration enforcement operations.
What are 287(g) agreements?
287(g) agreements are partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and ICE that deputize local police officers to enforce federal immigration laws. The proposed legislation seeks to terminate these agreements in Maryland counties where they are currently in effect.
Which Maryland counties currently have 287(g) agreements?
As of now, nine Maryland counties have 287(g) agreements with ICE: Allegany, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, Washington, and Wicomico counties.
What is the significance of the proposed legislation for Baltimore’s immigrant community?
The proposed legislation aims to provide a safer environment for Baltimore’s immigrant community by limiting ICE’s ability to operate within city facilities and by ending local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This initiative reflects a growing trend in Maryland and across the nation to reevaluate the role of local authorities in immigration matters and to protect the rights and safety of immigrant residents.
What are the next steps for the proposed bills?
The proposed bills will be discussed in the upcoming City Council meeting, where they will undergo further deliberation and potential amendments. If approved, the legislation will be forwarded to the Maryland General Assembly for consideration, aligning with the state’s ongoing efforts to restrict local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| First Bill: Safe Spaces and Communities | Requires city agencies to develop and implement plans to protect public spaces by limiting ICE activities in city-owned and operated facilities, including offices, schools, libraries, and parks. Prohibits the use of city resources, personnel, or funds to coordinate or collaborate with ICE actions within Baltimore. |
| Second Bill: Ban on 287(g) Agreements | Advocates for the Maryland General Assembly to enact legislation that would ban 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement agencies and ICE. Calls for a ban on federal law enforcement officials wearing masks during immigration enforcement operations. |
| Current Status of 287(g) Agreements in Maryland | As of now, nine Maryland counties have 287(g) agreements with ICE: Allegany, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, Washington, and Wicomico counties. |
| Support for the Legislation | The bills have been co-sponsored by Councilmembers Odette Ramos, Paris Gray, Mark Parker, Zac Blanchard, Mark Conway, Jermaine Jones, Phylicia Porter, and James Torrence. A press conference to discuss the legislation is scheduled for 4 p.m. today in the City Council Chambers. |
| Implications for Baltimore’s Immigrant Community | The proposed legislation aims to provide a safer environment for Baltimore’s immigrant community by limiting ICE’s ability to operate within city facilities and by ending local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement. |
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