BREAKING: Wicomico Co. Formally Enters into 287(g) Agreement with ICE

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – After tabling initial discussions last fall, Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano announced on Friday morning that the County has formally entered a 287(g) agreement under the Warrant Service Model (WSO) with U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Giordano said that the partnership does not include participation from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), but Sheriff Mike Lewis ensured the agreement has his full support. The WSO allows ICE to screen individuals already in custody of the detention centers, or those with active federal warrants. This partnership solely takes place within correctional facilities, a change to the initial proposal that involved participation from WCSO.

Giordano also said her announcement comes in part as a reaction to the Maryland General Assembly’s introduction of Senate Bill 245, which would prohibit agents of the State and local governments from entering into immigration enforcement agreements. It would also terminate any existing agreements by Jul. 1. Giordano went to testify in front of the Maryland Senate on Thursday night to speak against the proposed legislation.

Both Giordano and Lewis expressed the belief that adopting WSO would keep ICE agents from entering local communities, as they would be looking specifically within prisons. Giordano cited U.S. Boarder Czar Tom Homan and his recent remarks regarding events in Minneapolis.

“‘If they’d let us in their… jail and stop being a sanctuary city, we could arrest the bad guy in the safety and security of the jail,'” Giordano read Homan’s quote from Jan. 14. “‘But because they release them, now we got to go into the community and find them. Then they’re mad we’re in the community.'”

Giordano and Lewis were joined by Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gaylor and Cecil County Chief Deputy Jerry Widows. Both Harford and Cecil counties have longstanding 287(g) partnerships with ICE under the Jail Enforcement Model (JEM), which allows officers to inquire into inmates’ immigration status. Both officers spoke highly of their department’s partnerships, and felt hopeful for the outcome in Wicomico County.

Giordano also stated that while the County Council’s approval was not necessary for joining a partnership, she stated she has a majority of support from members.

Wicomico County is the ninth county in Maryland to enter into a 287(g) agreement.

WMDT will continue to update this story as new details are made available.