Maryland governor signs bill barring police cooperation agreements with ICE

Maryland's legislation does not prevent local law enforcement from turning over illegal aliens in government custody to ICE, however.

Published: February 18, 2026 11:27am

Updated: February 18, 2026 11:38am

Gov. Wes Moore, D-Md., on Tuesday signed legislation barring local governments and law enforcement from making official agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The legislation does not preclude isolated instances of cooperation, but requires the termination of any formal arrangements by July, WBOC reported

Moore's signature on the bill comes as Democratic states continue to oppose President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts, including through sanctuary policies.

Maryland's legislation does not prevent local law enforcement from turning over illegal aliens in government custody to ICE, however.

The Trump administration, for its part, has sought voluntary cooperation from state agencies in its enforcement efforts, though the refusal of some states has led to tensions, especially in Minnesota.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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