Wicomico County is tabling the 287G until the Spring

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — On Tuesday night, the Wicomico County Council discussed a potential 287G agreement and the county’s decision on whether to move forward with the partnership.

Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said, “Our decision to currently stand down or withdraw our intent to pursue the 287G program here in Wicomico County does not come lightly. We have reached this decision for no other reason than to protect Wicomico County from potential civil and criminal sanctions.”

Residents filled the county council chambers, speaking both for and against the proposed 287G agreement with federal immigration authorities. One woman opposed the agreement, saying, “You don’t even know who they are. So why would you go into business with these people? Why would you go into business with someone who has no accountability?”

A man in favor of the agreement argued, “If you don’t follow the law the way it is written, then what’s going to happen is that there’s going to be more chaos.”

Sheriff Lewis clarified that while the county would not move forward with the 287G program at this time, they will continue their existing partnerships with the FBI and DEA. The next steps, Lewis said, are up to Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano.

Giordano suggested tabling the decision until after the state legislative session ends, saying, “What I would like to do in this is potentially table this until we get through session.”

With residents at odds and the county holding off on the 287G partnership, officials were asked if the issue was off the table for good. Giordano said, “It looks like something that we’ll revisit again in the spring,” when the next legislative session begins.

Sheriff Lewis added that he is considering legal action to determine what the county can and cannot do to protect residents, especially those living in Wicomico County.