BALTIMORE, MD — In Baltimore County, a significant number of detainer requests filed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are being ignored by local police, according to recent disclosures. The county’s police department has revealed that they do not track dismissed detainers, cases, or suspects tied to these requests.
From October 2022 to September 2023, ICE submitted 81 detainer requests to Baltimore County authorities. However, approximately 70% of these requests were not honored, indicating a considerable disconnect between local enforcement and federal immigration policies.
The local police follow guidelines issued by the Maryland Attorney General, which instructs them not to hold individuals without a lawful basis, even if they are illegal migrants with ICE detainers, who have committed violent crimes.
This practice has sparked significant concern among state delegates in Baltimore County, who describe the data as “deeply disturbing” and assert that it poses risks to both police operations and public safety.
They are calling for an investigation into the matter, focusing on the implications of not adhering to ICE detainers.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate over local versus federal jurisdiction in handling undocumented immigrants charged with crimes, and the complex balance between upholding civil liberties and ensuring community safety.
