President Donald Trump’s second term begun with a series of significant executive orders on immigration, migration and deportation, including an order to send the military to the U.S.-Mexico border and another seeking to redefine birthright citizenship — something that is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

Other notable moves include the revocation of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy that agents would not target “sensitive areas,” including schools and churches, and a reported plan for the Department of Justice to prosecute local officials who don’t cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

During a press conference Wednesday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said city officials wouldn’t interfere with federal officials, but also said the city would not assist immigration efforts.

Standard city procedure is that police officers and agencies do not ask residents their immigration status, and Scott said that standing policy will not change.

Here are statements we’ve received from other local elected officials around Maryland about immigration and cooperating with federal enforcement.

Baltimore County: “Baltimore County is committed to maintaining safe communities where all residents feel welcome and can access the resources, services, and opportunities they deserve. Baltimore County is doing this work while remaining in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. We will continue to follow the law while also implementing best practices that support and uplift our neighbors, ensuring that Baltimore County remains a welcoming place for all.” — Erica Palmisano, spokeswoman for Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeir

Anne Arundel County: “Anne Arundel County will not interfere with federal immigration enforcement activities. Anne Arundel County Police do not participate in federal immigration enforcement, and there is currently no legal obligation that would require them to do so. Immigration enforcement is a job for federal officials. Our Police Department will continue to serve and enforce judicial warrants regardless of immigration status and will continue to serve all of our residents as they work to keep our communities safe.” — Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman

Howard County: Safa Hira, the director of communications for Howard County Government, sent a detailed statement:

The Federal Government is responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws and accomplishes this through agencies such as, but not limited to, the United States Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Unlike the Federal Government, local governments, such as Howard County, Maryland, do not have the same responsibility or authority to enforce federal immigration laws.

Some jurisdictions have entered into delegation agreements with the Federal Government through ICE’s 287 (g) program that would allow state and/or local jurisdictions to enforce federal Immigration Laws. Howard County does not currently participate and has never participated in ICE’s 287(g) program.

Further, Howard County Council Bill 63, the Liberty Act, was passed in 2020 by a vetoproof majority of the Howard County Council prohibiting the use of County resources for the following actions unless federal or state law requires it:

• (1) enforcing federal immigration and nationality laws or assisting immigration enforcement; 
• (2) helping enforcement by collecting or sharing a person’s information;
• (3) asking a person about their citizenship, nationality, or immigration status or the status of another person; and 
• (4) sharing a person’s status with another person. 

This law, which is codified in the Howard County Code, became a local ballot question during the 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial General Election and was reaffirmed by a 64% margin by the voters of Howard County.

This law also prohibits discrimination against a person based on their citizenship, nationality, or immigration status. Our Howard County police department’s ability to enforce state and local criminal laws and assist federal law enforcement in criminal investigations is not curtailed by this law. It only prevents our Howard County Police Department from engaging in immigration enforcement actions. Moreover, our Howard County police can also work on criminal task forces, even if a task force includes immigration enforcement, provided that Howard County resources are not used for immigration enforcement and the police follow the other requirements of the law.

To be clear, this law in no way prevents the Federal Government from enforcing federal immigration law.

As always, Howard County will adhere to Federal and State laws. However, at this time, our local law enforcement and authorities are prohibited, by County Code, from assisting in immigration enforcement. Further, we are unaware of any federal law requiring us to assist in immigration enforcement. Should there be changes to the law under a Trump administration, we will evaluate how to ensure compliance with federal law.

Montgomery County: “We continue to operate under Executive Order 135-19 issued in 2019. This allows Montgomery County to focus on its role in addressing public safety while the Federal government enforces immigration laws.” — Scott Peterson, spokesperson for Montgomery County Government

Prince George’s County: “The Prince George’s County Police Department does not engage in federal immigration enforcement actions, such as deportation operations or raids, as this is the responsibility of federal agencies. Local law enforcement’s primary responsibility is to protect and serve the residents of our county, fostering safe neighborhoods where everyone feels secure coming forward to report crimes or seek assistance.

Prince George’s County has always followed the law and adhered to the guidance of state and federal authorities on immigration matters. Our focus is on ensuring public safety and building trust with all members of our community, regardless of their immigration status." — Acting County Executive Tara H. Jackson

In some Maryland counties, an elected sheriff is the head of law enforcement for the jurisdiction. Here’s what officials in those counties are saying.

Carroll County: “The Board of Carroll County Commissioners recognizes that the matter of deportation falls under the jurisdiction of federal authorities and law enforcement agencies. As such, it is not within the scope of local government policies to address this issue.” — President of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners Kenneth Kiler

“Our office has always cooperated and communicated with ICE. Since the Sheriff oversees the Carroll County Detention Center, we regularly communicate with ICE on detainers of accused and convicted criminals in our facility. We have an outstanding relationship with them and will work with the new administration once details emerge on how we can continue to keep our community safe.” — Carroll County Sheriff James DeWees

Harford County: “I fully support the president’s intention to stop and reverse illegal immigration, which is a humanitarian catastrophe and a dangerous violation of our national sovereignty. Untold numbers of women and children are being trafficked and abused under the previous president’s failed approach. In Harford County, where murder is fortunately rare, two innocent young women were brutally raped and murdered by men who entered this country illegally. I fully support law enforcement in taking appropriate action to end this national nightmare.” – County Executive Bob Cassilly

“Since 2017, we have been a proud partner with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, Section 287(g), known as the 287(g) program, at the Harford County Detention Center. The Sheriff has been very vocal in his beliefs that we need to support working with our federal partners to deport illegal criminals, keep our borders secure, and uphold our duties to keep our communities safe.

In a previous statement, Sheriff Gahler remarked, ‘As your Sheriff, I stand by my decision to take part in the 287(g) program. Without question, adding this tool to our crime fighting tool belt helps protect Harford County residents. The ability to detain violent criminals and keep them from re-victimizing the citizens of Harford County is of paramount importance to me. As the chief constitutional law enforcement officer of the County, it is my job to provide for the safety of our citizens and I plan on doing just that through proactive policing, correctional initiatives (like the 287(g) program), and other public safety innovations.’ He still stands by this statement." — Harford County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Cristie Hopkins

Frederick County: “County Executive Fitzwater is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where all people feel valued and respected. She is also committed to following the law. As you noted, the Sheriff is elected independently, and he reports directly to the voters. Only the Sheriff has the authority to decide whether the County will cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.” — Frederick County Government spokesperson Vivian Laxton

“My position on the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office cooperating with ICE is the same as it has been for over 16 years, which is to fully cooperate as we have been through our involvement in the 287g Program. This partnership with ICE will prove to be more effective and increasingly valuable going forward as ICE moves forward with the arrest and deportation of criminals, transnational criminal gang members, and public safety threats who are in this country illegally. The local public should know that through our partnership with ICE we have identified and served detainers on more than 2000 criminals in the United States illegally who committed arrestable crimes here in Frederick County. Those criminals were turned over to ICE for removal proceedings and deportation. Frederick County and the entire state of Maryland are much safer because of our partnership with ICE. We will cooperate fully within our legal authority.” — Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins

Cecil County: “As a retired sergeant with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, I have worked with our federal law enforcement partners my entire career and that cooperation is essential to a free and ordered society. As I understand it, the Trump administration is prioritizing the detainment and deportation of migrants accused of committing crimes. While the Cecil County Sheriff is an independently elected official who determines his own policies on enforcement, I stand with the majority of Cecil County citizens in supporting his position to assist and cooperate with federal law enforcement as it pertains to those accused of breaking the law, no matter their citizenship status.” — Cecil County Executive Adam Streight

“We have been working with ICE since 2015. As you may or may not know, we are one of three counties in Maryland that have a current 287g program with ICE. That program functions in our jail, and as I stated earlier has since I entered into an agreement with them in 2015. We have multiple Detention deputies that have been through the federal training and are certified to do immigration screenings of all persons who come into our detention center. I will continue to work with ICE as I feel it is my responsibility as Sheriff to do everything in my legal authority to help protect the citizens of my county. It makes perfect sense to remove illegal aliens who are in our county and have committed crimes.” — Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams

The Banner is reaching out to other local elected officials in Maryland and will update this story as we hear back.

Banner reporters Ben Conarck, Emily Opilo and Lee O. Sanderlin contributed to this story.