Baltimore County Ends Sanctuary Status After ICE Enforcement Deal

Baltimore County has been removed from the U.S. Department of Justice's list of sanctuary jurisdictions after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to collaborate on immigration enforcement. This MOU formalizes operational procedures developed in 2024, requiring the county's Department of Corrections to notify ICE at least 48 hours before releasing any detainees with immigration detainers, allowing ICE to take custody if desired. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward praised Baltimore County's willingness to cooperate with federal enforcement despite state leadership restrictions, calling it a step toward restoring public safety. County officials emphasized that the agreement does not change existing practices or the county's approach to immigration and public safety, but aligns Baltimore County with peer jurisdictions in Maryland. Baltimore County was the only Maryland jurisdiction listed in the August 2025 DOJ sanctuary list, which was issued following an executive order from President Trump, and the county had previously contested this designation as erroneous. The agreement with ICE reflects the county's commitment to both public safety and respecting constitutional rights while maintaining cooperation with federal immigration authorities.