Baltimore County, Maryland, January 14, 2026
Baltimore County lawmakers have proposed two bills aimed at improving outreach for immigrants and limiting federal ICE actions within the county. Bill 97-25 seeks to establish a Baltimore County Office of Immigrant Affairs, while Bill 98-25 aims to ensure equal access to resources for all residents, regardless of immigration status, and restrict federal ICE actions. Community support has rallied behind these proposals, emphasizing the need to create a welcoming environment for immigrants and address recent concerns over immigration enforcement.
Baltimore County Considers Legislation to Enhance Immigrant Outreach and Limit ICE Actions
Baltimore County, Maryland – In December 2025, Baltimore County lawmakers introduced two bills aimed at expanding immigrant outreach and imposing restrictions on federal immigration enforcement within the county. These legislative proposals are currently under review by the County Council.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The first bill, designated as Bill 97-25, seeks to establish and fund a Baltimore County Office of Immigrant Affairs. This office would be responsible for assessing the needs of the immigrant community and facilitating access to essential services. The second bill, Bill 98-25, aims to ensure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, have equal access to county resources. Additionally, this bill proposes limitations on federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within the county, requiring ICE agents to obtain a warrant before accessing county facilities, databases, or personnel.
Community Support and Advocacy
Supporters of the legislation, including members of the advocacy organization CASA, have rallied outside the Baltimore County Historic Courthouse in Towson. They emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming environment for immigrants and express concerns over recent actions by ICE agents in Maryland and across the country. Advocates argue that the proposed bills are essential for building trust between immigrant communities and local authorities.
Background Context
In October 2025, Baltimore County entered into a memorandum of understanding with ICE to collaborate on immigration enforcement. This agreement led to the county’s inclusion on the U.S. Department of Justice’s list of “sanctuary jurisdictions.” However, following the memorandum, the county was removed from this list. The introduction of the new bills reflects ongoing debates within Maryland regarding the balance between local autonomy and federal immigration enforcement. Similar legislative efforts have been observed in other Maryland counties, such as Montgomery County, which introduced the “Trust Act” to limit ICE’s access to county facilities without a judicial warrant. These developments highlight the state’s proactive approach to addressing immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities.
Potential Implications for Local Businesses
As these bills progress, local businesses may experience a shift in their workforce dynamics. Areas with significant immigrant populations have often benefited from the entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill sets that these communities bring. By fostering a more inclusive atmosphere, Baltimore County may encourage new small-business startups, which could contribute to the local economy. Additionally, reducing barriers for access to essential services may empower immigrant small business owners, boosting their potential for success.
Conclusion
As Baltimore County debates these crucial legislative proposals, the discussions surrounding immigrant outreach and local enforcement of immigration laws continue to evolve. Residents and business owners alike will want to stay informed and engaged with these developments. Ultimately, supporting measures that encourage local entrepreneurship and a thriving community atmosphere could pave the way for a more prosperous future for Baltimore County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the key provisions of the proposed legislation in Baltimore County?
- The proposed legislation includes the establishment of a Baltimore County Office of Immigrant Affairs and measures to ensure equal access to county resources for all residents, regardless of immigration status. It also imposes restrictions on federal ICE activities within the county, requiring warrants for access to county facilities and personnel.
- How has the community responded to these legislative proposals?
- Community members, particularly from the advocacy group CASA, have shown strong support for the legislation. They have organized rallies and emphasized the need for a welcoming environment for immigrants, expressing concerns over recent ICE actions in Maryland.
- What is the current status of the legislation?
- The bills were introduced in December 2025 and are currently under review by the Baltimore County Council. The legislative process is ongoing, and further developments are anticipated.
- How does this legislation relate to previous actions by Baltimore County regarding ICE?
- In October 2025, Baltimore County entered into a memorandum of understanding with ICE to collaborate on immigration enforcement, leading to its removal from the Department of Justice’s list of “sanctuary jurisdictions.” The new legislation seeks to reverse this collaboration by imposing restrictions on ICE’s activities within the county.
- Are similar legislative efforts occurring in other parts of Maryland?
- Yes, other Maryland counties, such as Montgomery County, have introduced similar legislation. Montgomery County’s “Trust Act” aims to limit ICE’s access to county facilities without a judicial warrant, reflecting a broader trend in the state to address the balance between local autonomy and federal immigration enforcement.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposed Legislation | Establishment of a Baltimore County Office of Immigrant Affairs and restrictions on federal ICE activities within the county. |
| Community Support | Advocacy group CASA and community members have organized rallies and expressed support for the legislation. |
| Legislative Status | The bills are under review by the Baltimore County Council, with ongoing legislative processes. |
| Previous Actions | In October 2025, Baltimore County entered into a memorandum of understanding with ICE, leading to its removal from the Department of Justice’s list of “sanctuary jurisdictions.” |
| Similar Efforts in Maryland | Other counties, such as Montgomery County, have introduced similar legislation to limit ICE’s access to county facilities without a judicial warrant. |
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