On January 27, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 444 – Public Safety – Immigration Enforcement Agreements – Prohibition. 

This bill would prohibit counties from maintaining or creating immigration enforcement agreements, terminate nine existing agreements, and restrict local law enforcement and corrections staff from setting binding standards with federal agencies operating in their jurisdictions.

A lack of regular communication and documented boundaries and standards can create confusion and mistrust that could inadvertently disrupt or harm residents at a time of increased enforcement. Worse, a ban on such agreements could lead to retaliation and withholding of vital information from local law enforcement and detention centers seeking to protect residents.

From MACo Testimony: 

Counties understand the serious and sensitive nature of nationwide immigration enforcement. Tactics employed by federal agencies at times have sparked justified fear and concerns. It is also clear that the types of enforcement activity by federal agencies in local communities varies greatly. Under these circumstances, local governments need to have as many tools as possible to compel federal agencies to share plans and intentions as well as establish legally binding expectations for those interactions and potentially coordinated efforts, as outlined in the Maryland Attorney General’s guidance on the issue.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog