Maryland lawmakers closer to passing roadblock to ICE deportation effort

The Maryland House of Delegates recently passed a bill, known as Senate Bill 828, which aims to prohibit agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) from entering sensitive locations without a warrant. The legislation, which received a 98-39 vote in the Democratic-dominated House of Delegates, will prevent ICE agents from entering places such as schools, libraries, and churches without a warrant.

This move comes in response to President Donald Trump’s increased deportation efforts across the country, as he seeks to fulfill his campaign promise of cracking down on illegal immigration. Since taking office, over 100,000 deportations have been carried out by ICE, a significant increase from the previous administration.

The bill, if approved by the state Senate and signed into law by Democratic Governor Wes Moore, will provide a shield of protection for vulnerable communities who have been living in fear of ICE’s tactics. Democratic Delegate Karen Simpson emphasized the importance of passing this legislation to alleviate the fear that has been prevalent in her community.

In addition to banning ICE agents from sensitive locations without a warrant, the bill also incorporates Maryland’s House Bill 1222, which aims to eliminate ICE’s 287(g) program in the state. This program allows local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with ICE in immigration enforcement efforts, including holding illegal immigrants in jail until they can be deported.

Although the legislation faced opposition from Republican Delegate Kathy Szeliga, who labeled it as “fear mongering by the left,” she was able to introduce an amendment that would ensure criminal illegal aliens on the state’s sex offender registry are turned over to ICE. This provision, however, would not take effect until June 1.

The bill will now return to the Senate for further consideration, where Szeliga believes it will pass despite opposition to certain amendments. The Maryland Senate has until midnight to vote on SB 828 before the end of the legislative session. If passed, the bill will proceed to Governor Moore’s desk for final approval.

It is important to note that ICE has refrained from commenting on the legislation, as they typically do not engage in discussions on pending legislation. The bill’s passage represents a significant step towards protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring that their rights are upheld in the face of increased immigration enforcement efforts.