Clearing the Air on Immigration: Compliance Standards for Local Governments at #MACoCon

The rhetoric and uncertainty around standards for immigration enforcement has created confusion and frustration for county governments who have the goal of ensuring the equal protection of residents and compliance with federal law. Federal court cases are currently attempting to address questions around what federal, state, and local government actors are actually allowed to enforce when it comes to immigration and customs laws. State governments, Maryland included, are looking to put additional safeguards in place to bolster public safety but protect immigrant communities from undue surveillance and harassment. A 2025 MACo Summer Conference panel will look to address some of the existing confusion and forecast what local governments can expect from both federal and state agencies on how immigration and customs enforcement policies will be enforced where local agencies are concerned.

Title: Clearing the Air on Immigration: Compliance Standards for Local Governments
Description: Recently, immigration enforcement in Maryland has consumed lawmakers, courts, state and local government officials, and community members statewide. Questions of privacy, constitutional law, data handling, and public safety are at the center of this debate. Counties in particular can find themselves caught in the middle of competing state and federal interests, as laws, policies, regulations, and guidance are shifting rapidly. A misunderstanding or misstep carries serious consequences and potential liability. As employers, property managers, and care-givers for the incarcerated, it is imperative for local governments to understand what recent changes mean for compliance and enforcement. Join federal, state, and local leaders to discuss new laws, regulations, guidance, and court cases on immigration enforcement.
Speakers:
- The Honorable Delegate Nicole Williams, MD State Delegate
- Nikita Baker, Acting Director, Baltimore Field Office, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Julia Cortina – Associate Legislative Director, Immigration Task Force, National Association of Counties
- Daniel Galbraith, Director of Corrections, Harford County
Moderator: The Honorable Ashanti Martinez, MD State Delegate
Date/Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm