Maryland, December 3, 2025
A group of Republican lawmakers in Maryland plans to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening citizenship verification for voters. This move follows the arrest of Dr. Ian Roberts, a former Baltimore principal, by ICE for overstaying his visa and raises concerns about the integrity of voter registration in the state. The proposed legislation seeks to require proof of citizenship at registration and implement regular audits of voter rolls.
Maryland Proposes Stricter Citizenship Verification for Voters Following ICE Arrest of Former Baltimore Principal
ANNAPOLIS, MD — A group of Republican lawmakers in Maryland has announced plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming 2026 General Assembly session aimed at strengthening citizenship verification processes for voters. This initiative follows the September arrest of Dr. Ian Roberts, a former Baltimore City Public Schools principal, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly overstaying his visa. The Maryland Freedom Caucus, which includes seven Republican delegates, expressed concerns after discovering that Roberts was listed as an active voter in Maryland’s voter lookup tool. Although the State Board of Elections did not confirm Roberts’ voter registration status, it did verify that he never voted in Maryland. The proposed legislation seeks to implement protections similar to those outlined in a recent executive order, including requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote and conducting regular audits to ensure voter rolls consist solely of citizens. Delegate Matt Morgan, Chair of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, emphasized the need for robust proof of citizenship before adding individuals to the voter rolls.
Background on Dr. Ian Roberts’ Arrest
Dr. Ian Roberts, originally from Guyana, served as a teacher, special education coordinator, and principal in various school districts across the United States, including Baltimore City Public Schools. In September 2025, he was detained by ICE agents for allegedly overstaying his visa. During his arrest, authorities discovered a handgun in his vehicle. Roberts was subsequently charged with making a false statement on an employment eligibility verification form and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that Roberts falsely claimed U.S. citizenship on the form, despite knowing he was not a citizen.
Implications for Maryland’s Voter Registration System
The arrest of Dr. Roberts has raised questions about the integrity of Maryland’s voter registration system. The Maryland Freedom Caucus argues that the case highlights systemic flaws that allow noncitizens to be listed as active voters. In response, the proposed legislation aims to implement stricter citizenship verification measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Previous Legislative Efforts on Immigration Enforcement
Maryland has a history of legislative actions concerning immigration enforcement. In 2021, the General Assembly passed the Maryland Values Act, which prohibits federal immigration enforcement agents from accessing and operating in “sensitive locations” such as public schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities. However, the original draft of the bill, which would have prevented local law enforcement from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE, was amended during the legislative session. The proposed legislation for the 2026 session seeks to address this by banning such agreements and strengthening citizenship verification processes.
Next Steps
The Maryland Freedom Caucus plans to introduce the proposed legislation during the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session, which begins on January 14, 2026. The bill will be subject to the legislative process, including committee reviews and potential amendments, before it can be enacted into law.
Related Developments
In a related development, Baltimore County recently entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to be removed from the DOJ’s “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” list. This agreement requires jail officials to inform federal immigration agents when anyone in custody has an ICE warrant, even if that person is about to be released, found not guilty, or has had their charges dropped. The ACLU of Maryland has expressed concerns about this move, stating that it undermines community trust and transparency.
Conclusion
The proposed legislation in Maryland reflects ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and voter registration integrity. As the 2026 legislative session approaches, stakeholders will continue to discuss and evaluate the potential impacts of these proposed changes on Maryland’s communities and electoral processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Maryland Freedom Caucus proposing?
The Maryland Freedom Caucus is proposing legislation to strengthen citizenship verification processes for voters, including requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote and conducting regular audits to ensure voter rolls consist solely of citizens.
Why is this legislation being proposed?
The legislation is being proposed in response to the September 2025 arrest of Dr. Ian Roberts, a former Baltimore City Public Schools principal, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly overstaying his visa. The Maryland Freedom Caucus expressed concerns after discovering that Roberts was listed as an active voter in Maryland’s voter lookup tool.
What is the Maryland Values Act?
The Maryland Values Act is a law passed in 2021 that prohibits federal immigration enforcement agents from accessing and operating in “sensitive locations” such as public schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities. The original draft of the bill, which would have prevented local law enforcement from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE, was amended during the legislative session.
What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration laws. These agreements enable local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties, such as detaining individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
What is the status of the proposed legislation?
The proposed legislation is scheduled to be introduced during the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session, which begins on January 14, 2026. The bill will undergo the legislative process, including committee reviews and potential amendments, before it can be enacted into law.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Citizenship Requirement | Mandates that individuals provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. |
| Regular Audits | Requires regular audits of voter rolls to ensure they consist solely of citizens. |
| Ban on 287(g) Agreements | Proposes banning agreements between local law enforcement agencies and ICE that allow local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. |
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