A recent law signed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore aims to end local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This legislation seeks to dismantle the long-standing 287(g) agreements that allowed local authorities to work directly with federal immigration officials. However, sheriffs from nine Maryland counties have pledged to continue their cooperation through alternative methods that comply with the new state law.

Fredrick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins highlighted that the sheriffs could maintain a level of collaboration without being part of the formal program. Jenkins mentioned specific strategies they could employ, such as placing holds on individuals with detainers for up to 48 hours, giving ICE notice of impending releases, and sharing lists of individuals arrested for review by ICE. This indicates a significant division between state mandates and local law enforcement practices regarding immigration enforcement.

The ongoing tension between local sheriffs and state legislative efforts reflects a broader national debate on immigration policy and the role of local law enforcement. As sheriffs navigate compliance with state laws while attempting to continue ICE partnerships, it raises questions about the effectiveness and implications of such 'workarounds' as they may perpetuate the enforcement of federal immigration laws at the community level, potentially igniting further controversies over legal and ethical standards in policing practices.