Maryland lawmakers debate the ICE Breaker Act of 2026

MARYLAND — Maryland delegates testified before the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday afternoon about House Bill 832, also known as the ICE Breaker Act of 2026. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Delegate Adrian Boafo, is highly contentious.

Boafo said Maryland has benefited from federal employees but argued the situation involving ICE officers recruited during the Trump administration is different.

“The ICE Breaker Act places guardrails on individuals coming directly from this current recruiting class, from ever joining Maryland State Police,” said Boafo.

Boafo said In January of 2026, DHS, under former Secretary Kristi Noem, appropriated more than $200 million in one year,

“Part of what the agency itself called a wartime recruitment,” he said. 

During his testimony, Boafo referenced a DHS ad posted to X, that said, “Want to deport illegals with your absolute boys?”

“Much of this recruitment has targeted young, vulnerable individuals with no prior law enforcement experience and drawn heavily from political, politically motivated networks aligned with these immigrations, immigration, this this administration’s immigration agenda.” said Boafo.

He said the office of the Attorney General of Maryland reviewed the bill and believes it does not violate Maryland’s Constitution.

“Maryland has the authority to set hiring standards for its own law enforcement agencies. This bill simply exercises that authority. ” He added, “Maryland is not alone in responding. States across the country have taken up this bill idea. Legislators across the country are trying to do their small part to defend their communities from the consequences of this administration’s policies.”

Republican Delegate Nino Mangione raised concerns about how the bill could affect veterans.

“One third of every ICE employee is a veteran, so is it your intent here with a bill like this to tell our veterans, which there are thousands of them in ICE right now, don’t come to Maryland?” Mangione asked.

Boafo said the bill targets those who joined ICE after January 20th of last year.

“Anyone who’s joined ICE after seeing with this president when he’s president elect really has said, seeing what he did in the first three months and say, you know what my motive is? I want to join that organization. That’s the folks that we’re targeting in this case.” said Boafo.

Delegate Mangione voiced, “Good enough to fight for the country, but not good enough for state police, according to this bill. I think you understand, and we agree to disagree.” 

The bill is awaiting a vote in the House of Judiciary Committee.

This is a developing story.