The legislation, aimed at severing ties between state authorities and federal immigration enforcers, was touted by Democrats as a defense of “constitutional rights” and a stand against what they call untrained federal agents.
Unfortunately for illegal aliens and their Democrat defenders, just one day after the bills were signed, nine county sheriffs pushed back hard, announcing they will ignore the ban and maintain partnerships with ICE through informal means.
“It is the biggest betrayal to law enforcement and public safety that I have ever seen,” said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis during a joint press conference with other sheriffs. “This is a sad day for Maryland, it really is. This is a sad day for Maryland.”
Lewis warned that ending 287(g) won’t stop ICE—it will only ramp up their presence.
“The abolishment of the 287(g) program is not the abolishment of ICE. They’re going nowhere. In fact, they’re going to intensify their efforts… Mark my words, you will see a dramatic increase in the presence of ICE in this state.”
The 287(g) program allows local jails to check immigration status and hold illegal immigrants for up to 48 hours for ICE pick up.
Maryland had nine such agreements, all in sheriff-run facilities, which must now terminate immediately under the new law.
Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler echoed Lewis’ sentiment, stating his office will continue sharing arrest information with ICE for detainers, even without formal MOUs.
“We’re going to provide ICE with the information of those people we arrest, so that they can file detainers,” Gahler said.
Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees has already implemented an internal policy to keep the cooperation going without violating the ban.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
