UPDATE: Immigration Customs Enforcement legislative bills move forward to the full house

SALISBURY, Md. — Maryland’s legislative session is off to a fast start with updates on two immigration-related bills, Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 245. Local residents have shared their thoughts on the proposed legislation.

Senate Bill 245, which seeks to prohibit partnerships between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), advanced through key committees this week. On Tuesday, the bill passed the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee by an 8-3 vote, and it passed the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday with a 12-7 vote. The bill is expected to be introduced to the full House later this week.

A local resident, Aidan, expressed support for the bill, saying he believes local law enforcement should not collaborate with ICE. “I don’t think they should be able to work with local law enforcement because it just escalates the problem,” he said.

Aidan also voiced concerns about Wicomico County’s recent partnership with ICE under the 287(g) program, which allows local authorities to act as immigration agents. “It’s a lot of multiracial people here, a lot of workers. And it’s honestly not okay that people can be stripped from their families,” he said. “It’s not fair.”

Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano defended the partnership, saying it would help reduce tensions. “We are doing it to protect our community,” she said. “I cannot sit back and allow Homeland Security to say, ‘If you don’t let us into your jails, we’re coming into your community.'”

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks, has also gained attention as it moves toward a full Senate vote.

Giordano argued that such a law could overstep state authority. “We as a state of Maryland can’t dictate what the federal government is doing operationally,” she said. “Right now, there’s no set standard for ICE agents to wear masks, but there’s nothing saying they can’t wear them either.”

Aidan, however, emphasized the importance of transparency, especially from law enforcement. “What they do already is just not okay. And for them to hide their identity, not show their face, is another issue,” he said.

Giordano responded by saying that masks help keep law enforcement officers and their families safe.

The latest updates on Senate Bills 1 and 245 will be provided as the legislative session continues.