Baltimore County Council Tables Corrections Immigration Enforcement Bill

TOWSON, MD — The Baltimore County Council tabled legislation Tuesday night that would codify the duties of county corrections officers, including among them immigration training and enforcement.

The bill was sponsored by Councilmen Todd Crandell, Wade Kach and David Marks.

Under the bill, the Baltimore County Department of Corrections would participate in the Immigration and Nationality Act section 287G program.

In the 287G program, officers would undergo Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) training for four weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center ICE Academy in South Carolina. They would then have authorization to interrogate those in custody about their immigration status. They would also be able to serve warrants for immigration violations and issue detainers, among other responsibilities.

The county executive came out strongly against the bill.

"I'm glad the council didn't move forward with this legislation," County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said in a statement Tuesday night, adding: "The Republican council bill was more about bringing Donald Trump’s divisive politics to our county than doing what is best for our residents."

• Immigration Order From Baltimore County Executive: FULL TEXT